Prevent Auto Theft

Don’t Make Your Vehicle an Easy Target

By the time you finish reading this paragraph, another vehicle will be stolen somewhere in the U.S. Vehicle theft is a big business, frequently run by organized crime rings that are out to make huge profits, and they are doing it at your expense. Vehicle theft is driven by money and greed – it is a dangerous business that victimizes everyone.

Help Put the Brakes on Vehicle Theft: Use the “Layered Approach” to Protection

Professional thieves can steal any car, but make them work for yours by using “layered protection.” The more layers of protection on your vehicle, the more difficult it is to steal.

Layer 1: Always Use Common Sense

• Lock your doors
• Remove your keys from the ignition
• Close your windows completely
• Park in well-lit areas

Layer 2: Use a Visible or Audible Device

• Audible alarms
• Steering column collars
• Steering wheel/brake pedal lock
• Brake locks
• Wheel locks
• Theft deterrent decals
• Identification markers in or on vehicle
• Window etching
• Micro Dot marking

Layer 3: Install a Vehicle Immobilizer

• Smart keys
• Fuse cut-offs
• Kill switches
• Starter, ignition and fuel disablers
• Wireless, ignition authentication

Layer 4: Invest in a Tracking System

Put your vehicle on the radar screen by installing a tracking system that emits a signal to the police or monitoring service when the vehicle is reported stolen. Some systems employ “telematics” which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved, the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked by computer.

Download Auto Theft Prevention Resources

You can find more information in NICB’s "Vehicle Theft" brochure (English or Spanish).

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