Monday, September 8, 2008

How can you protect myself from vehicle theft?

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), a vehicle is stolen every 26 seconds in the United States.

Learn to reduce your risks.

Secure your vehicle:

  • Lock your garage at home.
  • Park in well-lit areas.
  • Roll your windows up completely and when parked.
  • Always lock your vehicle.
  • Consider installing a vehicle alarm or other theft protection device.
  • Never leave your vehicle unattended while the engine is running.

Secure your property:

  • Always hide valuables
  • Never hide a second key in or on your car

Park securely

When parking on a street, turn your wheels toward the curb and set the emergency brake.


When parking in a driveway or parking lot follow these rules:

  • If front-wheel drive, pull in forward and set your emergency brake.
  • If rear-wheel drive, back into the space and set the emergency brake.

When buying a new vehicle consider looking for:

  • A factory immobilizer (computer chip in the key)
  • A locking steering wheel
  • Other anti-theft devices such as an alarm

Always report any suspected theft activity
to your local police and the NICB at 1-800 tel-NICB.

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