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Hints on protecting your vehicle from being stolen
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AUTO THEFT
Vehicle theft is skyrocketing. A vehicle is stolen every 20
seconds in this country. Thieves cruise through parking lots,
city streets and neighborhoods to see what they can take.
Don't make it easy for them. Prevention is the best deterrent.
Use the following tips to prevent auto theft and also to help
law enforcement recover a stolen vehicle. The basics are:
* Lock it up
* Park smart
* Install anti-theft hardware
* Help law enforcement recover
your car
LOCK IT UP
1. Lock your vehicle and take your keys, even for quick errands.
2. Lock the trunk, hatchback or tailgate to block access into
the car.
3. Close all windows, including vent or wing windows and sun
roofs.
4. Lock and chain trailers, motorcycles and recreational vehicles.
* Vehicles or motorcycles carried on trailers should be
secured with a strong chain and padlock.
* Trailers in tow should be secured to the vehicle with a
strong chain and padlock.
* Trailers and motorcycles stored in your garage should
be secured with a heavy chain and padlock that resist
conventional steel hacksaw blades.
INSTALL ANTI-THEFT HARDWARE
Anti-theft hardware makes it harder for the thief to steal your
car. Most auto manufacturers and dealers offer factory or dealer-
installed anti-theft devices. Devices are also installed by
specialty businesses or sold at auto parts stores for owner
installation. Anti-theft devices are of three basic types:
* Alarms
* Disablers
* Locks
1. Alarms are either noisy - blaring out a warning, or
silent - alerting the owner by a remote device.
2. Disablers don't allow the car to start. Electrical
disablers have a hidden switch in the car or are
operated by a pocket transmitter.
3. Locks can be installed to prevent thieves from moving
your vehicle or stealing accessories. They include:
* Interior hood lock and release.
* Exterior hood lock.
* Locking gas cap.
* Steering wheel and brake pedal locking device.
* Steering column ignition cover.
* Console shifter locking device.
* Battery lock.
* Second ignition switch.
* Radio, tape deck or cellular phone anti-theft device.
Reminder: some devices are set automatically when the ignition
is turned off or when the doors are locked. Others require the
driver to activate them. Remember, if you don't turn it on, it
won't stop a thief!
HELP LAW ENFORCEMENT RECOVER YOUR CAR
If your car is stolen, report it to your local law enforcement
agency immediately. Have the following information ready to
give them:
1. Make and model.
2. License plate number.
3. Vehicle identification number (VIN).
Vehicles manufactured after 1968 have the VIN on a small metal
plate visible through the windshield on the driver's side. This
information is also on your vehicle registration.
If you find your car after reporting it stolen, call the local
law enforcement agency before driving or moving it. Otherwise,
you could be mistaken for the car thief.
If you notice an abandoned vehicle in your neighborhood, report
it to your local law enforcement agency. It may be a stolen
car!
Thieves will steal vehicles to trade or sell vehicle parts.
You make it harder for thieves if you:
1. Engrave your driver's license number on radios, tape
decks and other removeable items.
2. Engrave the VIN on vehicle parts. (Some auto manu-
facturers already engrave the VIN on selected parts.)
Remember, remove the temptation and thus reduce the opportunity
for the thief.X-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
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