Car Theft Prevention

Every 26 seconds someone in the United States becomes a victim of auto theft. If you become one of the statistics, the chances of your vehicle being recovered are slightly more than one in two, so protecting your property is well worth the extra effort and expense. While no one is immune from auto theft, those who live in large metropolitan areas, close to a major port or international border, or own a sports or luxury vehicle (including SUVs) are statistically more likely to be a target for theft. Ownership of an older vehicle will not rule your vehicle out as a possible victim. Newer vehicles may come equipped with theft deterrent devices, so the professional thief is more inclined to go for the easier mark, an unprotected vehicle that's six to eight years old.

Layered Approach
Whatever type of vehicle you own, insurance carriers and law-enforcement agencies recommend what they call the layered approach. The more layers of protection around the vehicle, the more discouraged amateur thieves will be, and the longer it might take the pros to crack the multiple codes. This approach allows, hopefully, for detection before the vehicle ends up in the local chop shop. Of the following "layers," the first two deter amateur car thieves, the third can discourage a pro and the fourth can help recover your vehicle while it's still intact.

Common Sense
Some of these recommended items under "common sense" are really obvious, but don't scoff: 80 percent of all autos stolen in 2002 were unlocked at the time, and half of that number had the keys conveniently in the ignition.


> Lock your car, roll up the windows—and don't leave the key in the ignition.


> Store spare keys in your wallet, not tucked away in a "safe" place on the car. Thieves know all the conventional "safe hiding places" for spare keys.