Help Prevent Auto Theft: Law Enforcement's Top Tips

Remove keys: over 20% of all stolen vehicles have keys in them.

Keep vehicle locked at all times. 50% of all stolen vehicles are unlocked.

Park in well-lit areas whenever possible. 50% of all car thefts occur at night.

Etch the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the windows to deter thieves and aid in recovery.

Never leave your car running, even for a short period of time. Vehicles are commonly stolen when the owner goes out to warm up the car, or runs in to pay for gas or pick up something quickly at the market.

Keep your car in your garage if you own one. Then lock both the garage and the car doors.

Keep windows all the way up at all times and doors locked even while you are in it.

If door locks are at the window level make sure the knob is a straight knob, so thieves have nothing to hook on to.

Be suspicious when anyone approaches your vehicle, whether passing out brochures or handing out leaflets.

Have keys in your hand when approaching your car and observe the area under and around your car as you approach. Before unlocking the doors check the backseat first.

Do not leave valuables in plain view to attract thieves.

If you must leave a key with a parking lot attendant, leave only the ignition key with no identification on the key holder.

Write your driver's license number on a business card and drop it down the window slot to serve as identification if the VIN number has been removed.

Install steering wheel collars and covers. The collar protects the wheel and the ignition, and the cover protects the air bag and prevents cutting the steering wheel.

In addition to the theft preventions listed above, there are switches and locks that can be installed that will offer more advanced methods of preventing auto theft. Here is a list of those products:

Ignition kill switch, disables the ignition switch. Make sure the switch is not in a visible place.

Fuel kill switch, keeps fuel from reaching key points and prevents vehicle from starting.

Floorboard locks, disables the gas or brake pedal

Gearshift locks, disables shifting of transmissions

Wheel locks, keeps vehicles from moving.

It is never a good idea to leave your title and registration in the car. If a thief has stolen your car, the papers make for an easy sell. It is best for you to keep them in your wallet.

Installing a vehicle tracking system similar to the On-Star system will help police track the vehicle if it is stolen.

Sources:

Columbia University's Public Safety Dept.
Law Enforcement Guide