Car Theft Prevention Methods

Car theft is a very prevalent crime across our nation and needs to be stopped. Auto theft is considered the attempt to take or the actual stealing of a motor vehicle that does not belong to you. Automobile theft not only causes a problem for the owner of the car, but also causes many economic problems. This form of theft can also be extremely dangerous if the thief who steals the vehicle decides to drive recklessly, which is often the case.

Even though we have law enforcement that is out there trying to put a stop to these devastating crimes, there are many things that we as citizens can look for and do to help prevent automobile theft. Being able to identify the methods that car thief's use to steal automobiles and the reasons why they steal them will help you defend your vehicle from a criminal act.

One of the first precautions that you can use to fend off an intruder from your vehicle is to make sure that all valuables and possessions are out a plain view. If a criminal sees a purse, jewelry,like necklace, ring,  CDs, sunglasses, electronic equipment such as an iPod, satellite radio, or CD player, or any other sort of item that may make them curious, they will be more likely to break into your vehicle. Making sure that these sorts of possessions are hidden under the seat, in the trunk, in the glove compartment, or removed from the automobile altogether will limit your chances of having your car burglarized.

Many people often lock their keys in their cars and need a way to be able to remove them from inside of the vehicle, so to aid in this problem they keep a key on the outside of their automobile. Driver's that are prone to locking their keys in their cars often purchase a small, metal box used to house a spare key. The box containing the key is then placed on the outside of the vehicle so that the driver is able to regain access once they have been locked out. Most auto owners that decide to exercise this precaution so that they are able to get back into their vehicles do not exercise the same preventative measure when finding a hiding place for the spare key. Spare keys are often hidden under the front or back bumper, on the side of or behind a trailer hitch, or just under the car. While you could get creative and find a unique place to hide a spare key it is best to just not keep one of the outside of your vehicle at all. Most thieves are experts in finding these keys that give them easy access into your automobile.

Practicing these preventative measures can help to ensure that your car is one less that is stolen. If more citizens do there part we can help decrease the number of car thefts.