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- Don’t park in the dark: If your car is under street lights, the thief has a better chance of being seen, and would be less likely to attempt to steal your car.
- Alarm to avoid harm: Check for anti-theft devices or alarm systems before purchasing a car. These are important for deterring would-be thieves.
- Stay on lockdown: It doesn’t take long to steal a car, so even if you’re just running into the store for a pack of gum, lock up.
- Out of sight: If you conceal your valuables, criminals can’t be sure there are any in your car. If they break in to steal something expensive, they might decide to steal your car as well.
- Remember your keys, please: Just as you should always lock your car, even for a moment, you should never leave your keys in the ignition. In the time it takes to open the door, your car could be gone.
- In the club: In addition to existing alarm systems, you might want to purchase additional anti-theft devices. The Club locks onto your wheel and prevents driving.
- No low window: Close your windows when you leave your car. This makes it harder to gain entry or steal valuables.
- Spare the spare: Don’t keep a spare key next to your car. You can always call a locksmith if you misplace your keys.
- Privacy: Tint your windows for the same reason you’d conceal your valuables–thieves won’t often steal what they can’t see from outside.
- Power down: Don’t leave your keys in the ignition, and definitely don’t leave your car running. Your one to two minutes away from the vehicle is more than enough time for a theft.
Layer 1 is common sense, and covers many of the points listed above: don’t leave your car running, park in well-lit areas, etc.
Layer 2 is warning devices. Once again, ensure you have an alarm system and/or other anti-theft devices.
Layer 3 is immobilizing devices, which prevent hotwiring or starting your car unauthorized.
Layer 4 is tracking devices that signal the authorities and keep track of your car, such as GPS.
The most stolen cars in the United States of America include the 1994 Honda Accord, 1995 Honda Civic, 1991 Toyota Camry, 1999 Chevrolet Pickup, and 1997 Ford F-150, as well as the 2004 Dodge Ram, 2000 Dodge Caravan, 1994 Acura Integra, 2002 Ford Explorer, and 1999 Ford Taurus. So what are the safest cars against theft in the United States?
They include the Ford Freestyle, Saturn Relay, Toyota Prius, Volvo V70, Ford Focus, VW New Beetle, Buick Terraza, Subaru Forester, Buick Rainier and Mercedes E Class. If you live in California, there’s a fairly high chance you may be victim to car theft.
Four of the five cities with the most car theft are in the state: Stockton, Modesto, San Diego and San Francisco. 40% of vehicle theft in this country occurs near the border between the United States and Mexico. There were 737,142 reported car thefts in 2010–that’s 238.8 thefts for every 100,000 residents. Enact these tips immediately to avoid losing your car to theft.
