Crime Prevention and Security Tips - PROTECTING YOUR VEHICLE
Vehicle Theft is a Big Problem
- One car is stolen every 19 seconds in the U.S. That's less time than it takes most people to unlock their car, put on their seatbelt and start the engine.
- If auto theft were a legitimate business in the U.S., it would rank 50th amount the Fortune 500 companies.
- More than 2/3 of all auto thefts take place at night, and over half occur in residential areas.
- The thief who drives your car away is 200 times more likely to have a serious accident with it than you are
What You Can Do To Safeguard Your Car
- Whether you leave your car for a minute or for several hours, roll up the windows, lock it and take the keys.
- Park in a busy, well-lighted area.
- Carry your registration with you. Don't leave any personal identification documents, keys or credit cards anywhere in the vehicle.
- If you park in a commercial lot, leave only the ignition key and make certain that no identifying information is attached.
- Keep packages or valuables in the trunk. If you leave anything in the car, make certain it is covered and out of sight.
- Purchase stereo components, CBs, or cellular phones that can be removed from their brackets and placed in a more secure location up on parking.
- Keep your car's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and a complete description in a safe place at home. Since 1969, the federal government has required manufacturers to engrave a unique number, the VIN, on all passenger cars in one visible and several hidden locations. One VIN is engraved on a metal plate on the dashboard near the windshield. VIN's are registered with the FBI's computerized National Crime Information Center.
Theft Prevention Devices
Alarms
After years of false alarms, people have stopped paying attention to alarms. There is no statistical evidence that they reduce auto theft. Any serious anti-theft device must do more than jusFebruary 2, 2009p>A kill switch is a simple toggle device that shuts off the engine's ignition system. A risk is that the driver may accidentally engage them. Improperly installed switches can damage the electrical systems on new cars and possibly void the warranty.
Steering Wheel Locks
Steering wheel locks are visible from outside the car and prevent the wheel from being turned more than a few degrees. A variation on the steering wheel lock is the J-bar or grip lock, an adjustable steel bar rod that hooks under the brake and locks to the steering wheel.
Collars
Collars are devices that prevent the steering column from being stripped.
Etching Parts
Many cars are stolen for parts. Professional thieves shy away from a vehicle that has had the vehicle identification number (VIN) etched into the doors, windows, windshield, etc.
Anti-Theft Systems
Starting at less than $300. And going higher as options are added, anti-theft systems typically include siren alarms, starter disablers, motion sensors, remote control activation, panic buttons and shock detectors on doors, windows or trunk lids.
Many new cars are equipped with a combination of anti-theft devices such as alarms, flashing lights, ignition kill switches, steering wheel locks, etc. These, used in combination with etching are the most effective deterrent.
A Caveat
Spending money on anti-theft devices doesn't help if drivers don't follow the basic precaution of locking their cars, taking the key and activating the anti-theft device they have installed.
When You Buy a Car
- Be suspicious if the price is lower than normal. Hot cars are no bargain!
- Verify that the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) plate is intact and has not been tampered with. Check it against the ownership documents.
- If possible, don't pay cash. Your check is your receipt that you bought the vehicle.
- Examine the title and registration papers carefully. If you have any doubts, don't buy.
- When buying a used car, ask the seller about the vehicle's history and past financing and insurance. Verify this information with the bank or insurance company.
- Be wary when purchasing used parts for auto repairs – you could be patronizing a “chop shop” and indirectly encouraging auto theft.
- In many states, knowingly buying a stolen vehicle or even a STOLEN PART is a crime. Kentucky is one of those states.
Protecting Motorcycles
- Park motorcycles out of sight in a garage or basement or use a cover.
- Use the fork lock found on most street motorcycles. For extra protection, invest in a heavy U-shaped lock made of extremely hard steel that cannot be hacksawed or cut with boltcutters.
- Watch out for key numbers! Some motorcycle manufacturers stamp the key number on the lock. With this number, anyone can go get a keymaker and have a key cut that will fit perfectly. Many key makers ask for identification, but don't take any chances. Write down your key number then file it off the lock.
License Plates
License plates frequently are stolen from cars and used on stolen cars for other crimes. Get in the habit of checking your plates when you drive. A few drops of solder on the bolts or blurring the threads will help safeguard your plates.
What To Do If It Happens To You
If your vehicle is broken into or stolen, inform the police immediately. Stolen vehicles are often used in the commission of another crime. Quick action by you may not only aid in recovering your vehicle, but prevent its use for illegal purposes.