Vehicle Theft Prevention: Consumer Habits
Don’t Become a Statistic
* Close your windows, lock your doors and take the keys with you.
* Park with front wheels turned sharply toward the curb and apply your emergency brake to discourage towing.
* Activate any anti-theft devices you may have. Better yet, install a device that is passive, automatically activating itself a short time after the key is removed.
* Put all packages and personal items out of sight. Items left in the open invite theft.
li>Drive in the center lane when on highways. This reduces your chances on becoming a bump-and-run theft victim.
* Use your garage at home. Lock both your vehicle and the garage.
* Don’t park on the outskirts of a shopping center, motel or other parking lots. Park near the entrance, especially if you will be leaving your car unattended for an extended period.
* Etch your vehicle identification number in hard-to-find spots, using an engraver or dye marker. Hide business cards or address labels on the bottom of floor mats and under the seat, and drop them down window channels into the door interior.