Preventing Motor Vehicle Theft

A vehicle is stolen every 23 seconds in the United States. Of that number, nearly one-third have never been recovered. The vehicles that are found have often been stripped, vandalized or destroyed. There are steps that you can take to thwart a would-be thief, the simplest being the use of common sense.

It is important to remember to utilize the anti-theft devices that are standard in every vehicle- door locks and ignition keys. By remembering to remove your keys from the ignition after every use, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of your vehicle being stolen. Also, always lock your vehicle, no matter where you are. A car can be stolen from a driveway as easily as a parking garage. Avoid parking your vehicle in any area that is isolated or receives few passers-by. Be extra cautious when the parking lot is un-staffed or when the parking garage is enclosed.

By copying your tag number and vehicle identification number (VIN) on a card and keeping them with your driver's license you are increasing your chances of recovery, should your vehicle be stolen. In addition, you can drop a business card down the window slot. This will serve as identification in the event the VIN is removed. You should always have your vehicle registration with you when driving, but do not leave it in the car. Also, keep your car keys separate from your house keys.

Second layer anti-theft devices are quite effective and nominally expensive compared to the cost of replacing your vehicle. Audible Alarms, typically equipped with motion or impact sensors, trigger a 120-decibel siren. Steering Column Collars prevent thieves from hot-wiring the vehicle. Some are installed permanently, while others must be continuously activated. A Steering Wheel Lock is essentially a metal bar designed to prevent the steering wheel from turning. Theft Deterrent Decals visually warn thieves the vehicle is protected by an alarm or other anti-theft devices. Tire Locks prevent the vehicle from being driven, similar to the circular steel boots used by many large police departments. Etching the vehicle identification number onto the vehicle's windows, known as Window Etching makes it difficult for thieves to resell the vehicle or its parts.

Third layer anti-theft devices offer greater protection for those cars that are at a higher risk than others. Kill Switches inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch is activated. They are relatively inexpensive, and similarly easy to install. Smart Keys contain specially coded computer chips or radio frequencies. Without the exact key, the vehicle's engine cannot be started. Smart keys are standard in some vehicle models.

If your vehicle is at a great risk, a fourth layer anti-theft device is available. Tracking Devices are electronic transmitters hidden in the vehicle. The transmitters emit signals to the police or monitoring stations when the vehicle is reported stolen. These tracking devices, although costly, are effective in the recovery of stolen vehicles.