You can protect yourself against auto theft crime by taking the following precautions:
- Whether you leave your car for a minute or for several hours, roll up the windows, lock all doors and take the keys with you.
- Park in a busy area during the day and a well-lit area at night.
- Do not leave any personal identification documents, keys or credit cards anywhere in the vehicle.
- Keep packages or valuables in the trunk. If you leave anything in the car, make certain it is covered and out of sight.
- Activate any theft deterrent device you may have once leaving your vehicle.
- Never hide spare keys under the seat, in the glove compartment, or in the sun visor.
- If you are selling your vehicle, never let the prospective buyer test drive the vehicle without your being in it.
- Carry a record of your vehicle chassis number and engine number in your wallet. Do not keep your certified copy in the glove compartment.
- If you drive a truck, install a lockbox with a case hardened padlock in the bed.
- NEVER leave your car running and unattended even if you are just dashing in for “just a moment” or “letting it warm up”
- Pay attention to your surroundings especially when parking at malls.
- If you have a garage, use it. Lock both the vehicle and the garage.
Many new cars are equipped with a combination of anti-theft devices such as alarms, flashing lights, ignition kill switches and steering wheel locks, to name a few. These, used in combination with etching/stamping of parts are the most effective deterrent.
Retrieved from, www.consumer.gov.tt/tips/2005/ProtectingYourCar.htm
