While a majority of Americans think they know how to protect themselves, they still commit acts that make them easy targets for thieves. In order to help protect yourself from theft and fraud related to your car, It's a good idea to understand how thieves work and think. The following steps, which are based on guidance from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, will help decrease the chance that your vehicle will fall prey to thieves. Step 1: Being Smart is Simple...and easy Take Your Keys With You: Make sure to take your keys out of the ignition every time you leave your vehicle. Do not keep a spare set of keys in your car - thieves know all the hiding places. Lock Your Doors and Close Your Windows: Door and window locks serve as your first defense against thieves. Make sure all car doors are locked and windows are secure before walking away. Park Under the Lights: Thieves are less likely to approach a vehicle in well-lit areas with pedestrian traffic. Step 2: Don't Be Afraid to Get Help...Install a protective device Sound the Alarm: Audible sensor alarms will sound after they detect motion or impact, which can cause thieves to step away from a vehicle to avoid being caught. Stop Hot Wiring Cold: By installing a steering column collar, you can easily prevent "hot-wiring" a vehicle. Lock Your Wheel: Use a steering wheel lock to prevent movement of your steering wheel. Step 3: Get Serious About Prevention...Install an immobilizing device Get a Smart Key: Keys containing radio frequencies or coded computer chips will help ensure that your car will only start with one specific key. Establish a Fuse cut-off: If the car is started via short circuit, the vehicle will not operate. Install a Kill Switch: Unless a special switch is activated, electricity will not flow to the engine. Use Wireless Ignition Authentication, where possible: Key fobs or wallet tabs with transmitters are used to activate electricity to the ignition. Step 4: Don't let them get away...Install a tracking device Budget permitting, consumers can install tracking devices that combine wireless and GPS capabilities to signal to police and/or a monitoring system that a car has been stolen. These devices tend to be very expensive, but effective in locating a stolen vehicle.
Protect Yourself From Auto Thieves...Especially In This Economy
1 comment • Shannon Harvey • April 30 2009 04:45PM
