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STOP AUTO THEFT      Don't Tempt a Thief

FACT:  A car is stolen approximately every 25 seconds somewhere in the U.S.

FACT:  Most of those crimes are preventable!

Time is the car thief's enemy.  The longer it takes to steal a car the more likely they will be noticed and caught.  Some criminals can take your car in less than 2 minutes.  You can use an anti-theft device to make your car less appealing to a thief.  Most of those devices cost less than the insurance deductible paid out if their car is stolen and there are discounts offered for using them.

More Information about Automotive Anti-Theft Devices.

Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips

  • Well Lit Parking LotPark in well-lighted areas.
     
  • Close all windows, lock all doors, and take the vehicle keys with you.  25% of stolen vehicles had the keys in the most.  Most with the engine running (just for a minute)!
     
  • Don't leave your original registration or title in your car.
     
  • Activate any anti-theft devices.
     
  • Permanently mark your vehicle windows with your vehicle identification number (VIN) by VIN etching.
     
  • Never hide a second set of keys anywhere on or near your car.
     
  • Never leave your car's engine running, even if you'll only be gone a minute at places such as daycare centers, convenience stores, gas stations, ATM's, etc.
     
  • Park in attended lots.
     
  • Wheels Turned Toward The CurbPark your vehicle with the wheels turned toward the curb.  This makes your vehicle difficult to tow.
     
  • Don't become complacent because you drive an older model car.  Older cars are often stripped for parts that are sold for two or three times the value of the vehicle.
     
  • Remove any valet key from the vehicle (they are usually included in the owner's manual).

Make sure the used vehicle you buy is not stolen!

  • If a deal seems to be "too good to be true," it probably is.
     
  • Deal only with a reputable, established licensed used car dealer.
     
  • If you buy a vehicle from an individual, make sure the name on the title and registration match the name and address of the person selling the vehicle.
     
  • Check out the name, address and place of employment of the seller.  Be aware of someone selling a vehicle who is not willing to give you this information.
     
  • Make Sure The VIN Matches On The Vehicle And TitleCheck the vehicle identification number (VIN) to see if it has been tampered with.  This number is located on a plate attached to the dash near the left side of the front windshield.
     
  • Make sure the VIN matches the number on the seller's title.
     
  • Ask the seller for references about past financing and insurance on the vehicle.  Verify the information.
     
  • Ask for the manufacturer's keys, do not accept a replacement set.
     
  • Beware of new paint on a late model vehicle.
     
  • Complete all paperwork at the time of the sale.
     
  • Do not buy a used vehicle without being present when the title is notarized.

Statistical Sources

Just the Facts

  • Steering Wheel LocksCars with a steering wheel lock device in use are four times less likely to be stolen.
     
  • According to the NICB, one automobile manufacturer found its anti-theft system reduced theft by 80%.
     
  • In 2006 a car was stolen about every 26.4 seconds.
     
  • Over 21% of all car owners don't lock their doors!
     
  • About 25% of the cars stolen in Florida had keys left in the ignition.

Copyright © 1996-2012 City of Tampa.  All rights reserved. - Last Updated: 8/29/2011