Auto Theft Prevention

Be Alert

• Lock your car. Take your keys.

• Never hide a spare key on the vehicle.

• Roll up windows completely.

• Remove keys from ignition.

• Park in well-lighted areas.

• When parking in attended lots or parking garages, leave only the ignition key with the attendant.

• Park as close as possible to an open business.

• Do not leave valuables in sight to tempt a thief.

• Always park with the wheels turned toward the curb.

• Back your car into the driveway. If you drive forward into the driveway, a car thief could raise the hood to hot wire the car, and it would appear to the neighbors that you were just working on the car.

• If you have a garage, use it.

• Lock your garage door.

• Never leave your car running while it is unattended.

Anti Theft Devices

Common sense and a layered combination of anti-theft devices is recommended to help prevent your vehicle from being stolen. All vehicle theft prevention equipment helps deter criminals. The following are types of anti-theft devices that can be used to protect your vehicle:

• Steering Wheel Lock: A long metal bar with a lock that fits on a steering wheel and is designed to prevent the steering wheel from being turned. Also acts as a visual deterrent for thieves looking in car windows. Cost range: $25 to $100.

• Car Alarms: Typically equipped with motion sensors, impact sensors and a loud siren or series of tones in the 120-decibel range. Cost range: $150 to $1,000.

• Kill Switches: A hidden switch that needs to be flipped on for the car to start, otherwise preventing the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine. Cost range: $10 to $125.

• Electronic Tracking Devices: An electronic transmitter hidden in the vehicle emits a signal that is picked up by the police or a monitoring station. Cost range: $400 to $1,500.

• Electronic Keys: Pre-installed electronic anti-theft systems that allow the vehicle to operate only with a correctly coded key. Cost range: Standard equipment on some cars.

• Steering Column Armored Collars: Prevent thieves from breaking into the steering column to "hot-wire" vehicles, some are installed permanently and others must be installed manually each time the driver leaves the vehicle. Cost range: $100 to $200 installed.

• Tire Locks: Similar to the circular steel "boots" used by many larger city police departments; make the car nearly impossible to move. Cost range: $80 to $200.

• Window Etching: Vehicle identification number (VIN) etched onto the windows, as well as other parts of the car, to discourage thieves and aid in recovering the vehicle if it is stolen. Cost range: $20 to $100 (some vehicle theft prevention groups provide etching for free).

Theft Deterrent Decals: Typical decals identify the vehicle as protected by either an alarm system or a national theft prevention company. Cost range: $2 to $5.