Theft can happen to anyone, but taking proactive steps can drastically reduce the chances of becoming a victim. Stay alert, stay proactive, and always ensure your is secure.
1. Activate manufacturer tracking and use 3rd party trackers
- Many modern cars come with built-in GPS tracking and remote monitoring systems. Enable these features to track your car in case it is stolen.
- Organized Auto Theft Groups are aware of methods to disable manufacturer tracking. A 3rd party tracker can assist if the built-in tracking is disabled.
2. Install a kill switch
- A kill switch interrupts the flow of electricity to vital parts of the car, such as the ignition or fuel system, making it much harder for a thief to start your car.
3. Always lock your vehicle & never leave keys in the car
- Never leave your car unlocked when unattended—even for a moment.
- Double-check that all doors, windows, and the trunk are securely closed.
- Never leave your keys inside the car, even for a short time.
- Avoid leaving spare keys in the glove compartment or under the vehicle, as thieves often know where to look.
4. Don’t leave your vehicle running & don’t leave valuables in plain sight
- Never leave your vehicle running and unattended, even if you’re just “running into the store” for a few minutes.
- Thieves are quick to seize the opportunity when they see an idling vehicle.
- Remove valuables such as electronics, bags, or other tempting items from the car when leaving it unattended.
- If you must leave something behind, store it in the trunk or cover it out of sight to reduce temptation.
5. Park in well-lit and busy areas or garages
- Choose parking spots with plenty of visibility. Thieves are less likely to target a vehicle when it’s in a high-traffic or well-lit area.
- Avoid parking in isolated areas, such as dark corners or alleyways.
6. Install an anti-theft device & use a steering wheel cover or locks
- Steering wheel locks (e.g, the Club), gear shift locks, OBD locks and brake pedal locks are visible deterrents to thieves.
- Some thieves may be discouraged if they see the added time and effort it would take to remove such a device.
7. Use an alarm system
- Install a car alarm that will activate when unauthorized access is detected.
- Opt for a system that also includes motion sensors or proximity sensors to detect tampering.
8. Be careful with remote key fobs
- Keyless entry fobs are convenient, but can be vulnerable to theft using relay devices.
- To protect your key fob, store it in a Faraday pouch or keep it in a metal container when not in use to block signals.
9. Etch your VIN on windows and parts
- Etching your car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on windows and parts makes your car less attractive to thieves because it makes it harder to sell.
- It’s also a useful tool for law enforcement in identifying stolen vehicles.
10. Be aware of your surroundings
- Stay alert and aware when getting in and out of your car. Observe your surroundings for any suspicious activity, such as people loitering or acting unusually around vehicles.
- Report anything suspicious to the authorities immediately.
11. Check for recalls and security updates
- Make sure your vehicle is up-to-date with any manufacturer recalls related to theft vulnerabilities.
- Regularly check for any security system updates provided by your car manufacturer.
12. Stay up to date on frequently stolen vehicles
- Equite Association is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to combatting auto theft and insurance fraud. The publish a list of the top stolen vehicles.
How to Report a Stolen Vehicle
To report a stolen vehicle, or a vehicle you suspect may be stolen, call us at 519-570-7777.
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