According to a research report done by the FBI, 956,846 vehicles were stolen in the United States in 2008. While the number of stolen automobiles has been decreasing in recent years, that is still an astounding number. Think of it – almost a million vehicles were stolen in one year.
So, how do you avoid becoming part of that statistic? There’s an old adage in sports that states, “the best offensive is a good defense.” There are a number of proactive measures that you can take to keep one of your most valuable properties, i.e. your car, safely in your possession.
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Always Lock Your Car
Nothing is more attractive to thieves than an unlocked vehicle. Even if you are only planning on leaving your car for just a few seconds, lock the doors. Professional thieves can rip-off your automobile in a blink of an eye. An unlocked car tells them this will be an extremely easy score.
Keep Your Windows Rolled Up
For the same reasons that are mentioned above, make sure car windows are closed all the way. An open window is just as inviting to a thief as an unlocked car. It essentially tells them, come right in.
Never Store Valuables In Your Vehicle
Having expensive items in your car only gives a thief another reason to break-in. If you have to leave valuable things in your car, lock them in the trunk.
Park In A Safe Area
Only park on well-lit streets, where there are plenty of people around. Try to park in a lot that has an attendant. And if you park in a garage at home, be sure to lock your garage door.
Install A Theft Prevention Device
Both audible and visual theft prevention devices can serve as great deterrents. An audible car alarm is a popular and effective piece of equipment. The sound of a piercing car alarm is often enough to send a car thief running. For visual devices, “The Club” and “The Wrap” work by locking up the steering wheel. These tools can convince a would-be thief that this is going to hard work, and it isn’t worth all the trouble.
Buy An Anti-Theft Immobilizing Device
Immobilizing devices prevent a potential thief from hot-wiring your vehicle. They essentially act as a “kill-switch.” The principle here is simple – if they can’t start your car, then they can’t steal your car. Two such devices available on the market are the “Master Lock: Sentry Guard” and “Ravelco Anti-Theft Device.”
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Buy A Car That Is Less Likely To Be Stolen
Certain models of automobiles are more attractive to thieves. There are number of reasons for this – some models are easier to rip-off, while other models have valuable car parts that are sought because of the price they bring on the black market. In general, newer models are less likely to be stolen because of the modern anti-theft devices installed by manufactures.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, these were the most stolen vehicles in 2008:
1. 1994 Honda Accord
2. 1995 Honda Civic
3. 1989 Toyota Camry
4. 1997 Ford F-150 Pickup
5. 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup
6. 2000 Dodge Caravan
7. 1996 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
8. 1994 Acura Integra
9. 1999 Ford Taurus
10. 2002 Ford Explorer
Following the advice above can do much to prevent you from suffering the financial hardship and inconvenience that comes with having your vehicle stolen. In general, the more difficult you make it for a thief to steal your automobile, the less likely it is that it will be stolen.
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