Auto Theft Prevention
For Your Safety
Every day in America 1,000's of vehicles are stolen. These stolen vans,
cars, motorcycles and trucks cost victims time AND money, as well as
increase everyone’s insurance premiums. Often, stolen vehicles are used
to commit other crimes.
Exercise Common Sense
An unlocked vehicle with a key in the ignition is an open invitation to
any thief, regardless of any anti-theft device you may use. The
common-sense approach to protection is the simplest and most
cost-effective way to avoid would-be thieves.
You should always secure your vehicle, even if you’re parking for
“just a minute.” Do this by:
Removing your keys from the ignition.
Locking all of your doors.
Closing all of your windows.
Parking in a well-lit area.
NEVER leaving your engine running and vehicle unlocked while you run
into your home, a convenience store or anywhere else.
Visible or Audible Deterrents
A visible or audible device alerts thieves that your vehicle is
protected. Popular devices include:
Audible alarms - typically equipped with motion or impact sensors that
trigger a 120 decibel siren. The alarm should have an automatic shut-off
capability.
Steering wheel locks - a metal bar designed to prevent the steering
wheel from turning.
Steering column collars - prevent thieves from hot-wiring the vehicle.
Some collars are installed permanently; others must be continuously
activated.
Theft deterrent decals - visually warn thieves the “vehicle is
protected by an alarm or other anti-theft device.
Tire locks - similar to the circular steel boots used by many police
departments, tire locks prevent the vehicle from being driven.
Window etching - if the vehicle identification number (VIN) is etched
onto the vehicle’s windows, it makes it difficult for thieves to resell
the vehicle or its parts.
Vehicle Immobilizers
Vehicle immobilizers prevent thieves from bypassing your ignition and
hot-wiring the vehicle. Some electronic devices have computer chips in
ignition keys. Other devices inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to
the engine until a hidden switch or button is activated. Popular
third-level devices include:
Smart keys - contain specially-coded computer chips or radio
frequencies. Without the exact key, the vehicle’s engine cannot be started.
Fuse cut-offs.
Kill switches - inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine
until a hidden switch is activated.
Starter, ignition and fuel disablers.
Tracking Systems
A tracking system that emits a signal to police or a monitoring station
when the vehicle is reported stolen. Tracking systems are effective in
helping authorities recover stolen autos.
Consumer Tips
LOOK CLOSELY at the VIN plate, located on the driver’s side of the
dashboard, to see if it appears tampered.
NEVER buy a used car without getting the vehicle’s title or pink slip
IN PERSON. Double check the VIN with the number listed on the title, the
registration papers and the federal certification label on the driver’s
side door.
ASK TO SEE IDENTIFICATION of the person . who is selling you the car;
record his/her name, address, phone number and driver’s license number.
Call the phone number given to you by the vehicle’s owner. Often, scam
artists will provide the phone number of a pay phone.
If you’re considering buying a used car, there are several companies
that. for a nominal fee, will run the VIN through their computers and
check the history of the vehicle. The companies can be found on the Web
by performing a search for “Vehicle History Reports.”
Types of VIN Scams
Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) are serial numbers for vehicles
that are used to differentiate similar makes and models. Similar to
social security numbers, every vehicle has a unique VIN. VIN plates are
located on the dashboard and can be viewed through the windshield.
VIN Switch: Thieves use VIN switching to disguise the identity of a
stolen vehicle. They will replace the VIN on a stolen vehicle with a VIN
that is not recorded as stolen. The thief will then try to resell the
stolen car to an unsuspecting customer. Some VIN switchers will also
create fraudulent title and registrations to go along with the vehicle.
Salvage Switch: A vehicle that is extensively damaged. burned or
stripped. and determined not to be eligible for repair is called
..salvaged... Thieves buy a salvaged vehicle just to obtain the title
and the VIN. Then, they go out and steal a car that is the same make and
model. and switch the VIN plates. The thieves then claim that the stolen
car is in fact the salvaged one that is rebuilt. register the vehicle
using the phony information, and then resell it to an innocent purchaser.
Strip and Run: A car thief steals a car. strips it for the parts. then
abandons it. Eventually. police recover the vehicle and cancel the theft
record. The . thieves purchase the vehicle’s frame at an insurance . or
police auto auction and then re-attach the stolen parts. resulting in a
car that is no longer listed as stolen.
Watch Your Car Program
Watch Your Car is a national vehicle theft prevention program funded by
the United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs and
the Bureau of Justice Assistance. It is a voluntary vehicle registration
program designed to deter auto theft and assist in the apprehension of
auto thieves. Participating vehicle owners sign an agreement stating
their vehicle is not normally used from 1 am - 5 am.
Vehicle owners receive decals that they apply to their windshields. If a
police officer observes the vehicle being driven anywhere in the United
States during these hours, they may stop the vehicle and verify the
vehicle owner —or a person designated by the owner- operating it.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an
accident involving a bus call the aggressive personal injury attorneys
at Nadrich & Cohen, LLP for a free consultation.
1-800-718-4658
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