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.