Auto Theft Prevention Tips

Auto Theft Prevention Tips

Auto theft is a common occurrence in most any town and Madras is no different. It is very popular among criminals because all too many car owners invite the criminals to take their cars. There is a very simple solution that will minimize your risk of becoming a victim of an auto theft. By following these few steps, your car may not be as appealing to a thief and therefore be overlooked.

• Never leave your car running unattended. 
• Always secure your car when you walk away from it, no matter what. Lock the doors and ensure the windows are rolled all the way up.
• Don't leave valuables inside your car.
  • By leaving your purse or wallet on the seat or on the floorboard, you are asking for trouble. Even if your car does not get stolen, you will end up with damage to it and your property within taken. If you have to leave valued items inside your car, utilize the trunk, or tuck them somewhere out of site.
• Outfit your car with a security alarm system.
  • Most thieves will not stick around when something loud is sounding and attracting attention to them.
  • Use a wheel locking device other than the standard ignition lock. (CLUB) Many car thieves will move on to another vehicle if they see additional security devices within the car. Remember, they are looking for easy targets. There are many different types of security systems as follows:  
    • Taper door lock buttons, to keep thieves from using coat hangers to open your car doors from the outside.
    • High-security ignition locks, which normally go around the steering column housing (sometimes these are known as "cuff locks").
    • A "cane" or "J-bend" lock, which normally hooks up the steering wheel and the brake pedal.
    • External and internal hood locks. These protect the battery from being stolen too.  
  • Other forms of theft prevention devices: 
    • An ignition kill device, which interferes with the ignition system even if the car is "hot-wired."
    • A fuel cutoff device, which shuts off the fuel after running for a few seconds.
  • Install the best type of alarm that you can afford (silent alarms, sound discriminators, motion detectors, and computerized tracking transmitters are among the high-end devices now available).
  • Be sure to advise potential thieves that you have an alarm by placing warning stickers on your windows or windshields.
• Blasting your new stereo off for everyone in the city to hear it while you drive down the road is not only illegal, but also attracts attention that may likely result in your stereo or auto being stolen.
• Don't place spare keys in a lock box and stick it under your dash or in your visor, in the ash tray, glove box or under the floor mat, etc... A good car thief knows most of the common hiding places and is likely to find your special place.
• Park in well lit areas. Utilize your garage if you have one and be certain to lock your vehicle within.