To make your vehicle a tough target, the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority and National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) recommend a "Layered Approach" to Protection. The more layers of protection on your vehicle, the tougher it is to steal.
1: Common Sense Tips
- Lock your car - half of all vehicles stolen are left unlocked
- Take your keys - nearly 20% of all vehicles stolen have the keys in them
- Park in well-lighted areas - car thefts occur at night more than half the time
- Park in attended lots - car thieves do not like witnesses
- Don't leave your car running, even for a minute - convenience stores, gas stations, and ATMs are common hunting grounds for thieves
- Completely close your car windows
- Do not leave valuables in plain view
- Do not hide a spare set of keys in the car -the pros know where to look
- Park with your wheels turned toward the curb
- Always use your emergency brake when parking
- If you have a garage, use it - and when you do, lock both the vehicle and the garage door
2: Visible and Audible Deterrents
Alert thieves that your car is protected:
- Audible alarms
- Steering wheel locks
- Steering column collars
- Tire locks
- Window etching - etch vehicle identification number (VIN) on vehicle windows
3: Vehicle Immobilizers
Prevent thieves from bypassing your ignition and hot-wiring your vehicle:
- Smart keys
- Fuse cut-offs
- Kill switches
- Starter, ignition and fuel disablers
- High security locks and keys
4:Tracking Systems
A vehicle tracking system is a high-tech device designed to be hidden in your vehicle in order to emit a signal that the police can monitor if you report a theft.
