Auto Theft Prevention
The Problem
In the Tampa Bay area, car ownership is common. For many, the loss of
their car would have serious consequences on every day life.
According to statistics from the FBI, Florida ranked third in the nation
for auto theft in 2000. Nationally, a vehicle is stolen approximately every
25 seconds. It is estimated that one out of every 170 cars in the US is
stolen every year!
CURB AUTO THEFT
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. While there is no perfect method to stop someone from stealing
your car, there are many ways to deter them. The goal is to "harden the
target" so to speak -- make your car less appealing to the thief. This can be done through the use of any of a number of anti-theft devices
available today.
Most anti-theft devices cost the consumer 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
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.
- Check 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
Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips
- Park in well-lighted areas
- Close all windows, lock all doors,
and take the vehicle keys with you. 25 percent 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
- Park 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)
Statistical Sources
Just the Facts
-
Cars 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 2000 a car was stolen about
every 25 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
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