Vehicle Security

Car thieves, like home burglars, look for easy targets. Car owners obligingly leave doors unlocked, windows open, or their keys in the vehicle. Criminals usually DO NOT want to be seen, heard, or take an excessive amount of time to break in. 

PREVENTION CHECKLIST

DO YOU…?

• Lock your vehicle
• Lock your windows.
• Take your keys with you.
• Remove your garage remote.
• Set your alarm.
• Remove number codes from your keys.
• Lock vent windows (trucks).
• Leave only your ignition key when having your vehicle serviced.
• Remove spare keys hidden on or in your vehicle. Consider a spare key in your wallet.
• Park and lock your vehicles in garages when possible. Remove personal information such as driver license, registration etc, from unattended vehicles.
• Carry a copy of your registration in your wallet for ease of identification in case of emergency or theft.
• Know your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
• Use additional identification methods such as engravers and dye markers.
• Place additional identification marks in several places such as tailgates, spoilers, and under the hood.
• Take a picture of your car with the plate number visible. Etch VIN numbers into all windows.

Help Prevent Vehicle Burglary 

Preventing thieves from breaking into your vehicle to steal valuables is very difficult. If you want to protect your personal property, DO NOT leave it in your car. 

PREVENTION CHECKLIST DO’S and DON’TS…

• Do not leave purses, wallets, laptops, expensive sun glasses, cell phones and other valuables in your vehicle..
• Never leave valuables in plain sight.
• Lock all valuables in the trunk or take them with you.
• Remove detachable stereos and faceplates from your vehicle every time.
• Never leave CASH visible.
• Always lock your windows.
• Take your keys with you every time.
• Take purses and wallets inside your house after you lock and park your car in your garage.When equipment or tools must be kept in a vehicle, use a strong-walled, tamper proof box that can be bolted down and secured with heavy duty locks. Do not assume a box is secure because it is heavy.

PARK CAREFULLY

• Use all the security measures available to you, wherever you park, even in your garage.
• At home, the best place to park is a well secured garage with car doors locked and alarm set. Secure your garage as if you had $20,000.00 in cash sitting inside.
• Vehicles are 5 times more likely to be stolen from unattended parking lots than from the street or an attended lot.
• At work and in commercial areas try to park in well-lit areas, close to entrances, and near pedestrian traffic.
• Turn your wheels sharply and apply the emergency brake when parking to deter unauthorized towing.
• Lock your door and windows when parking in your driveway.

SECURITY DEVICES and ALARMS

No security device is foolproof, but good vehicle security can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Consider installing at least two of the following security devices on your vehicle. 

• A kill switch or cut-off switch (an electrical device that effectively immobilizes the vehicle, even if the ignition has been forced. It prevents electrical current from reaching the coil distributor).
• Alarm devices with the visible L.E.D. indicators that activate a siren, horn, lights-or all three.
• Visible L.E.D. alarm indicator.
• Fuel switch to prevent fuel from reaching the carburetor.
• Device that attaches to the steering wheel or brake pedal.
• Auxiliary locking devices for window wings, sliding windows, spare tires and the hood.
• Interior hood and trunk releases.
• Locking gas cap.
• Tapered door lock buttons.
• A good quality steering wheel locking device.
• A circular metal band, or “collar” to protect the ignition lock from tampering.
• Self arming and anti-code grabbing alarm features.

OPTIONAL FEATURES 

• Remote activated panic alarm.
• Remote activated interior lights.
• Anti-carjack system.
• Driver door auto unlock.
• Motion sensors (especially for convertibles).
• GPS.

BUYING and SELLING

When selling a vehicle, do not let a stranger take it for a test drive alone. If a prospective buyer wants to take it to a mechanic for an appraisal, volunteer to deliver and pick up the car. Accepting only bank drafts or a cashier’s check is wise. Take it to the bank immediately and be sure it is free of any smears or possible alterations. Fill out and file Department of Motor Vehicles sales information. Forms are available at your local DMV.

When buying a used car, be sure to verify the seller’s name and address, and that the VIN on the registration is the same as on the car. Law enforcement seizes thousands of stolen vehicles from innocent buyers every year. 

CARJACKING

This is a violent, random form of auto theft. A driver of any vehicle can be a target for anyone with a weapon. It can happen anywhere, day or night. 

PRECAUTIONS

• Keep your doors locked whether you are in or out of your car.
• Travel well-lit busy streets, especially after dark.
• Plan your route.
• Stay with traffic.
• Park in well-lit, busy areas.
• Be aware of your surroundings, and of people approaching your vehicle.
• Keep the car in gear at stop signs and traffic lights.
• Keep your car and house keys on separate key chains. Keep your garage door opener in your purse or briefcase.
• When stopped in traffic, always leave enough room to make an emergency getaway.
• If someone is threatening you with a weapon, give up the vehicle-it is not worth your life!
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• Do not leave your purse on the seat beside you. Put it on the floor where it is more difficult to take.
• If you break down, get far enough off the roadway to avoid traffic, turn on your emergency flashers, raise the hood, get back into the car, and lock the doors. Wait for help.
• When returning to your car, check the front seat, back seat, and floor before entering.
• Use the buddy system whenever possible (Take a friend).

CONTACT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE ACTIVITY IS OVER WITH

If you observe suspicious activity, such as:

• A stranger looking inside parked vehicles.
• Someone tampering with a vehicle.
• Any abandoned vehicle you find on your street.

If your vehicle is broken into or stolen, please inform local law enforcement immediately. Stolen vehicles are often used in the commission of other crimes. Quick action may not only aid in the recovery of your vehicle, but also prevent its use for illegal purposes.