One vehicle is stolen every 20 seconds in the United States. Stolen cars, vans, trucks, and motorcycles cost victims time and money - and increase everyone's insurance premiums. They're also used to commit other crimes. Don't become a victim of this serious crime.
The Basic Prevention Policy
Never leave your car running or the keys in the ignition when you're away from it, even for "just a minute".
And never ever leave young children or babies in the car while you run into the store for "just a minute".
Always roll up the windows and lock the car, even if it's in front of your home.
Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Put them in the trunk, under the seat - somewhere out of sight. Buy radios, tape and CD players that can be removed and locked in the trunk.
Park in busy, well-lighted areas.
Carry the registration and insurance card with you. Don't leave personal identification documents or credit cards in your vehicle.
When you pay to park in a lot or garage, leave just the ignition key with the attendant. Make sure no personal information is attached. Do the same when you take your car in for service or repair.
Etch the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the windows, doors, fenders and trunk lid. This helps discourage professional thieves who then have to either remove or replace these parts before selling the car. This is too costly and time-consuming for them. Copy the VIN and your tag number on a card and keep it in a safe place. If your vehicle is stolen, the police need this information.
Install a mechanical locking device - commonly called clubs, collars or j-bars - that locks to the steering wheel, column or brake to prevent the wheel from being turned more than a few degrees. Use it!
Investigate security systems if you live in a high-theft area or drive a vehicle that's an attractive target for thieves. You may get a discount on your auto insurance.
Carjacking
Carjacking - stealing a car by force captured today's headlines. Statistically, your chances of being a car-jacking victim are very slim, and preventative actions can reduce the risk even more.
>Approach your car with key in hand. Look around before getting in.
>When driving, keep your car doors locked and windows rolled up at all times.
>Be especially alert at intersections, gas stations, ATM's, shopping malls, convenience stores.
>Park in well-lighted areas with good visibility, close to walkways, stores and people.
>If the carjacker has a weapon, give up the car - no questions asked. Your life is worth more than the car.
Bump and Rob
It works like this. A car with a driver and at least one passenger rear-ends or "bumps" you in traffic.
You get out to check the damage. The driver or passenger from the car that bumped you, jumps into
your car and drives off. There have also been cases where women have been "bumped" and then assaulted when they get out of their car.
If you're bumped by another car, look around before you get out. Make sure there are other cars around, check out the car that rear-ended you and who is in it. If the situation makes you uneasy, stay in the car with doors locked and windows rolled up and insist on moving to a police station or busy well-lighted area to exchange information.
Be on the lookout
If your car's stolen, report it to the police immediately. Also report abandoned cars to the police.
When buying a used car from an individual or a dealer, make sure you have the proper titles, that the
VIN number is intact and the "federal sticker" is on the inside of the driver's door. That sticker should match
the VIN.
Suggest that any dealer, rental car agency or auto repair shop you use offer auto theft prevention information in their waiting rooms.
If joy-riding is a problem in your community, work to improve recreational programs and job opportunities for young people
