Auto Theft

Stop Auto Theft -- Don't Tempt a Thief

FACT:  A car is stolen approximately every 25 seconds somewhere in the U.S.

FACT:  Most of those crimes are preventable!

Time is the car thief's enemy.  The longer it takes to steal a car the more likely they will be noticed and caught.  Some criminals can take your car in less than 2 minutes.  You can use an anti-theft device to make your car less appealing to a thief.  Most of those devices cost less than the insurance deductible paid out if their car is stolen and there are discounts offered for using them.

Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips

• 
  Park in well-lighted areas.

• Close all windows, lock all doors, and take the vehicle keys with you.  25% of stolen vehicles had the keys in the most.  Most with the engine running (just for a minute)!

• Don't leave your original registration or title in your car.

• Activate any anti-theft devices.

• Permanently mark your vehicle windows with your vehicle identification number (VIN) by VIN etching.

• Never hide a second set of keys anywhere on or near your car.

• Never leave your car's engine running, even if you'll only be gone a minute at places such as daycare centers, convenience stores, gas stations, ATM's, etc.

• Park in attended lots.

• 
  Park your vehicle with the wheels turned toward the curb.  This makes your vehicle difficult to tow.

• Don't become complacent because you drive an older model car.  Older cars are often stripped for parts that are sold for two or three times the value of the vehicle.  

• Remove any valet key from the vehicle (they are usually included in the owner's manual).

Make sure the used vehicle you buy is not stolen!

• If a deal seems to be "too good to be true," it probably is.
• Deal only with a reputable, established licensed used car dealer.

• If you buy a vehicle from an individual, make sure the name on the title and registration match the name and address of the person selling the vehicle.

• Check out the name, address and place of employment of the seller.  Be aware of someone selling a vehicle who is not willing to give you this information.

  Check the vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if it has been tampered with.  This number is located on a plate attached to the dash near the left side of the front windshield.

• Make sure the VIN matches the number on the seller's title.

• Ask the seller for references about past financing and insurance on the vehicle.  Verify the information.

• Ask for the manufacturer's keys, do not accept a replacement set.
• Beware of new paint on a late model vehicle.
• Complete all paperwork at the time of the sale.
• Do not buy a used vehicle without being present when the title is notarized.

Statistical Sources - FBI

Just the Facts

• 
  Cars with a steering wheel lock device in use are four times less likely to be stolen.

• According to the NICB, one automobile manufacturer found its anti-theft system reduced theft by 80%.

• Over 21% of all car owners don't lock their doors!

• About 25% of the cars stolen in Florida had keys left in the ignition.