Auto Theft Safety Tips

How much do you value your car and the possessions you may have stored within? Taking a few precautionary measures can help minimize your chances of becoming the victim of auto theft.

In the U.S., a vehicle is stolen an average of every 21 minutes.
Auto theft not only costs the victim time and money, but it also costs society because it drives insurance premiums up and many times stolen vehicles are used to commit other crimes.

The vast majority of car thefts seem to occur where large groups of cars are parked for extended periods of time in places such as shopping centers, night clubs, sporting events, movie complexes and large apartment complexes. Auto thefts can occur randomly on any day of the week and anytime of the day, depending on the locations.

Below are some tips you can use to avoid being the victim of a car thief:

• Always roll up your windows and lock the car, even if it is parked in front of your home. Doing so reduces your chances of auto theft by up to 20 percent.

• Always lock your vehicle. This reduces your chances of becoming an auto theft victim by more than 60 percent.

• Removing your keys from the vehicle can reduce your chances of becoming an auto theft victim by up to 80 percent.

• Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Put them in the trunk out of sight.

• Always park in high-traffic, well-lit areas when possible.

• Pay attention to your surroundings, and be alert to nearby activity.

• Be suspicious of anyone asking for directions or handing out fliers.

• Always check the back seat before opening your car.

(Courtesy of the 86th Security Forces Squadron)