Protect Yourself from Auto Theft
by SolveYourProblem.com

It is true that once your precious car is out of your hand it becomes very difficult to track down your vehicle. Presently vehicle theft has become the nation's number one property crime. More than half a million vehicles wind up in the hands of thieves every year. Though there are law enforcement personnel for investigating and tracking down lost cars, sometimes they have very little to go on if they do not have any suspects or eyewitness. Following certain simple guidelines will prevent car theft more often than not.

You may try the following tips for the protection of your car.

Common Sense Approach: These are some common and simple suggestions that you should follow to protect your car.

• Always keep your car locked.
• Take out the keys of your car from ignition when leaving your seat.
• Close all windows of your car when leaving.
• Park your car in well-lit areas.
• Avoid parking in secluded or isolated places.
• Don’t keep a spare set of keys inside the car.
• Don’t leave your car engine running when you visit places like ATMs, banks, gas stations or small stores.
• When you are parking your car, always use emergency brakes.
• If your car will remain unattended for a long time, remove the ignition fuse, coil wire and distributor rotor.

Audible or visible device: There are some common anti-theft devices available to attach on your vehicle.

• Audible alarm system
• Steering wheel locks
• Tire locks
• Steering column collar
• Theft deterrent decals
• Wheel locks
• VIN etching on windows

Vehicle immobilizer: These are some devices that will prevent thieves from bypassing your ignition and “hotwiring” your car. Some common vehicle immobilizers you can use are:

• Smart key with a computer chip
• Fuse cut-off
• Kill switch
• Starter, ignition and fuel disabler

Tracking Systems: This is a high tech device, which you can hide in your car. This device emits signal to the police when a car is reported stolen. This system is very effective in tracing a stolen car.

Apart from taking these preventive measures, also consider certain other things. Always be alert and take precautions while driving. When you are getting into your car, look around and be alert about your surroundings. Check your back seat before starting your car. Make sure your locked doors are still locked when you return. Always keep your cell phone with you and know the emergency numbers.

When you are buying a new car make sure you are buying from a genuine dealer. Be cautious about ad-s in newspapers and other publications. If you are buying a used car, ensure that the car is not stolen by researching its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Vehicle crime has become a big business. Car crime rings make huge profits at your expense. Protecting your car from theft is your moral responsibility, as well as being in your own interest.

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SolveYourProblem.com : 2007

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