The Problem
In the Tampa Bay area, car ownership is common. For many, the loss of their car would have serious consequences on every day life.
According to statistics from the FBI, Florida ranked third in the nation for auto theft in 2000. Nationally, a vehicle is stolen approximately every 25 seconds. It is estimated that one out of every 170 cars in the US is stolen every year!
CURB AUTO THEFT
Time is the car thief's enemy. The longer it takes to steal a car the more likely they will be noticed and caught. Some criminals can take your car in less than 2 minutes. While there is no perfect method to stop someone from stealing your car, there are many ways to deter them. The goal is to "harden the target" so to speak -- make your car less appealing to the thief. This can be done through the use of any of a number of anti-theft devices available today.
Most anti-theft devices cost the consumer less than the insurance deductible paid out if their car is stolen and there are discounts offered for using them.
Locking Devices
• STEERING WHEEL BAR LOCKS - The most popular is The Club, a steel bar that clamps on the steering wheel and makes the vehicle impossible to steer. They are an effective deterrent because of their imposing presence on the steering wheel.
• HOOD RESTRAINT - A device that prevents full access to the under the hood components. These can include a chain which allows a hood opening of approximately four inches, a mechanical or electrical device that physically locks the hood down, or a mechanical or electrical device that prevents the factory-supplied hood mechanism from operating.
• STEERING COLUMN COLLAR - Protects entry to the ignition through the column.
• TIRE/WHEEL LOCKS - Tool wraps around the tire or wheel to immobilize the vehicle.
• GEARSHIFT LOCK - Locks gearshift in place, making it impossible to shift transmission into gear.
Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips
• Park in well-lighted areas
• Close all windows, lock all doors, and take the vehicle keys with you. 25 percent of stolen vehicles had the keys in the most. Most with the engine running (just for a minute)!
• Don't leave your original registration or title in your car
• Activate any anti-theft devices
• Permanently mark your vehicle windows with your vehicle identification number (VIN) by vin etching
• Never hide a second set of keys anywhere on or near your car
• Never leave your car's engine running, even if you'll only be gone a minute at places such as daycare centers, convenience stores, gas stations, ATM's, etc.
• Park in attended lots
• Park your vehicle with the wheels turned toward the curb. This makes your vehicle difficult to tow
• Don't become complacent because you drive an older model car. Older cars are often stripped for parts that are sold for two or three times the value of the vehicle
• Remove any valet key from the vehicle (they are usually included in the owner's manual)
Just the Facts
• Cars with a steering wheel lock device in use are four times less likely to be stolen.
• According to the NICB, one automobile manufacturer found its anti-theft system reduced theft by 80%
• In 2000 a car was stolen about every 25 seconds