|
Preventing vehicle theft is everyone's
responsibility. Police, government officials, insurers,
consumer groups, vehicle manufacturers and other citizens
are working together in a cooperative effort to prevent
auto theft and fraud.
How you can protect your car?
* Never leave your car running
while unattended. Always turn off the engine and roll
up the windows when leaving the car, even for a short
period of time.
* Never leave your keys in the car. Nearly 20
percent of cars stolen still have the key in the ignition.
* Lock you car and garage. T-shaped lock knobs
may be replaced by smooth ones that are more difficult
for thieves to pull up.
* Cover your garage windows. Thieves will not
know what kind of cars are inside and will not be able
to detect your travel patterns. This will'also help
ensure the safety of snowblowers, lawnmowers and other
valuables stored in the garage.
* Park in busy, well-lighted areas.
* Leave only your ignition key when leaving your
vehicle with a garage or parking lot attendant. Protect
your home and office from being burglarized by keeping
your other keys with you.
* Make your car easy to identify. Etch your car's
vehicle identification number (VlN) onto car windows
and underneath the hood and the trunk lid. You can use
a dye marker, or an electric etcher--which you can sometimes
borrow from your local police department or rent from
a hardware store.The VIN is embossed on a metal plate
located between the dashboard and the windshield on
the driver's side. It can also be found on the manufacturer's
certification sticker on the driver's side front door.
* Keep valuables hidden. Place all valuables
in the trunk.
* Protect your audio system. Removable or hidden
radios, stereos, tape decks and CD players are good
ideas, as is discrete placement of audio system speakers.
* Keep important documents safe. Never leave
your vehicle title or registration in your glove compartment.
Thieves can use these documents to sell your car orto
impersonate you if they are stopped by the police.
* Keep a copy of your vehicles VIN, license plate
number, your insurance identification card number and
your vehicle registration number with you at all times.
If your vehicle is stolen, you will need this information
to complete police and insurance company reports.
* Use alarm systems and install anti-theft devices,
such as ignition cut*off switches, fuel cut-off devices,
steering wheel locks and hood locks. Anything that slows
a thief down will decrease the chances that your car
will be a target. Many insurers offer a discount, usually
ranging from five to 20 percent, on comprehensive coverage
to policyholders whose cars are equipped with these
devices.
* Certain cars are stolen more frequently than others.
Check with us to find out whether or not that new car
you're thinking about buying falls into the high-risk
category.
|
