Vehicle Theft Is Big Business

A vehicle is stolen every 19 seconds in the United States.  This is less time then it takes most people to unlock their vehicles, put on their seat belt, and start the engine.

 In Florida, a vehicle was stolen every 5.42 minutes in 1999, and over 253 were stolen per day.

 More then 2/3 of all auto thefts take place at night, and over half of these thefts occur in residential areas.

The thief responsible for taking your vehicle is 200 times more likely to be involved in a crash with your vehicle than you are.

Measures You Can Take To Prevent Your Vehicle From Being Stolen

When you leave your vehicle, always make sure that the windows are rolled up, your vehicle is locked, and you remove the keys and secure them in your pocket or your purse.

Always try to park in a busy location that is well lighted.

Make sure that you carry a copy of your vehicle registration on your person, don’t leave it anywhere in your vehicle.  Don’t leave any personal identification documents, keys, or credit cards anywhere in the vehicle.

If you park in a commercial lot, leave only the ignition key, and make sure that no personal information or identification are attached.

Keep packages or valuables in the trunk.  If you do leave anything in your vehicle, make sure that it is covered and out of sight.

Vehicle Theft Is Big Business

Kill Switches

The kill switch is a simple toggle device that shuts off the engine’s ignition system.  The one danger is that the driver may accidentally engage the kill switch.

If the car is new or still under warranty, you should consider having the dealer install the kill switch so that the warranty would not be compromised.

Steering Wheel Locks

Steering wheel locks are a deterrent that are visible from outside the vehicle.  They prevent the wheel from being turned more then a few degrees.  A variation of the steering wheel lock is the J-Bar or grip lock, an adjustable steel bar rod that hooks under the brake and locks to the steering wheel.

The CLUB is another device that connects to the steering wheel and prevents it from turning more then a few inches.  This device is fairly easy to attach and remove by using a key.

Collars

Collars are a device that is designed to fit around the steering column.  This device is made of hardened steel and prevents the steering column from being stripped, exposing the interior wiring that controls the ignition.

Etching

This is a process where the serial number of your vehicle is chemically etched on the window and doors of your vehicle.

Anti-Theft Systems

These systems start at less then $300 and go higher as options are added.  Anti-theft systems typically include siren alarms, starter disablers, motion sensors, remote control activation, panic buttons and shock detectors on doors, windows, or trunk lids.  A beeper notifies the owner when someone trips the system.

Many newer vehicles are equipped with a combination of anti-theft devices such as alarms, flashing lights, ignition kill switches, steering wheel locks, etc.  These devices are the most effective deterrent when used in combination with the etching.

A Caveat

Spending money on anti-theft devices doesn’t help if drivers don’t follow the basic precaution of locking their vehicles, taking the keys, and activating the anti-theft device that is installed.

Combat Auto Theft (C.A.T.) Program

By enrolling in this program, the registered owner signs a waiver which states that the vehicle is not normally operated between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., and that law enforcement officers have the owner’s permission to STOP the vehicle and question the occupants to determine ownership.  If the vehicle is determined not to be stolen, the occupants are free to proceed on their way.

The participant in this program will be furnished with a bright yellow sticker that will be placed on the driver’s side of the rear window, in the lower left hand corner.

This program is recognized by the State of Florida and is offered for a nominal one time fee of $3.00.

Contact the Margate Police Department at 972-1232 to enroll.

Carjacking occurs when a vehicle is taken from a person  either by force or threat of force.

Carjacking is the newest and most violent form of vehicle theft.  It differs significantly from traditional vehicle theft in that the victim is present during the crime.  The owner’s presence makes the thieves task of stealing a vehicle easier than breaking into a locked car.

Ten Ways to Help Prevent Auto Theft

1. Always lock your car and remove the keys.

2. Lock valuables in the trunk and do not leave personal identification or credit cards in your vehicle.

3. Never leave your vehicle unattended with the motor running.

4. Install an anti-theft device that is highly visible, hard to defeat, and that renders the vehicle undriveable.

5. Photocopy your vehicle registration and insurance papers and keep them in your wallet, not your glove compartment.

6. Park in a garage when possible or choose a well-lighted, heavily-traveled area to park.

7. When parking curbside, turn your vehicle’s wheels sharply toward the curb and apply the emergency brake.

8. Do not hide spare keys on the vehicle.

9. Always be observant.

10. Engrave your drivers license number on stereos and car phones.

Remember, ALWAYS LOCK YOUR DOORS!