Auto Theft Prevention

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Auto Theft Prevention Overview

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, auto theft is a very profitable business, generating nearly $8 billion a year. Despite declining auto theft rates, business continues to grow in the United States due to the ever increasing value of cars.

It's an awful feeling to be a victim of auto theft. According to the FBI, auto theft occurs about every 30 seconds in the United States, so if you are a victim, don't feel alone. Stolen Lost & Found Online is here to help. Stolen Lost & Found Online is the worlds largest online auto theft database, it's both free and easy to search auto theft reportings and free to report auto theft online.

Any car can be stolen by professional auto thieves, but if they want yours, make them work for it. Here are some ways to protect yourself from auto theft. The more difficult you make your car to steal, the less likely you will experience auto theft first hand.

These auto theft prevention techniques vary on your vehicle and location. Determine which auto theft prevention is best for you by examining both your budget and personal preferences.

Common Sense Auto Theft Prevention

Of all the auto theft prevention techniques, these are the easiest and most inexpensive to deter car thieves. These should be followed even if leaving your car for very a brief time, it takes a professional auto thief less than thirty seconds to steal a car.

  • Never leave the keys in the car.
  • Lock the doors
  • Close the windows
  • Park in well lit, visible areas.
  • Never leave the engine running and vehicle unlocked, no matter how short a period of time.
  • Hide all valuables

Auto Theft Warning Devices

This is either a visible or audible auto theft prevention device to alert thieves your vehicle is protected. Car thieves prefer quick, easy and quite targets and will choose an unprotected car over one that poses difficulties. Popular auto theft prevention devices:

  • Steering column collars / "the club"
  • Audible auto theft alarms
  • Steering wheel / Brake pedal lock
  • Brake locks
  • Wheel locks
  • Tire locks / Tire deflators
  • Identification markers in or on vehicle
  • Window etching
  • Micro Dot Marking

Immobilizing Auto Theft Prevention Device

This type of auto theft prevention prevents thieves from hot-wiring the car. These devices either use computer chips in ignition keys or obstruct electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch disables the device. Popular immobilizing devices:

  • Smart key
  • Hidden kill switch
  • Fuse cut-off switch
  • Starter, ignition and / or fuel disabling device
  • Wireless, ignition authentication

Auto Theft Tracking Devices

Tracking devices emit a signal to the police or tracking center when an auto theft occurs. Tracking devices are very effective in helping the police recover stolen cars and bring auto thieves to justice. Tracking devices use a combination of GPS and wireless technology to track a stolen car. Some systems notify the owner when the car is moved, the car is then tracked with a computer. Popular auto theft tracking devices:

  • Factory installed systems: GM Onstar, Mercedes-Benz TeleAid, BMW Assist, Lexus Enform, Toyota Safety Connect
  • LoJack
  • Mobile IQ
  • Zoombak

For a more detailed explanation how each each auto theft tracking system works and costs, click here.

Important Things To Remember

If your car is left unlocked, the keys left in the car or valuables left in sight, your chance of becoming a victim of auto theft is: 1 in 30

If your car is locked, the keys removed and valuables concealed, chances of becoming an auto theft victim is: 1 in 1000

If your car is locked, the keys removed and valuables concealed with the use of a visible anti-auto-theft device, your chance of being an auto theft victim is: 1 in 30,000

When ever you are involved in an accident, be sure to keep you cool. Some car jackings occur by creating a low impact accident, when the driver pulls over the auto thieves proceed to jack the car. Always pull over in a well lit, well populated area and don't be afraid to call the non-emergency police line to have a squad car come to the scene for both your protection and for an official police report of the incident. This can help for safety, insurance purposes and to avoid being a victim of auto theft.

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