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 The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and law enforcement recommend a layered approach to preventing auto theft.
1. Use Common Sense
- Park in well-lit areas.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Report anything suspicious and avoid
suspicious looking people.
- Lock your doors.
- Close your windows completely.
- Take your keys out of the car.
- Never leave your car running unattended -
not even for a minute.
- Remove all items from the car or hide them
from view.
2. Visible or Audible Anti-Theft Devices
- Audible alarm system
- Steering wheel locks
- Steering column collars
- Theft deterrent decals
- Wheel locks
- Window/VIN etching
3. Vehicle immobilizer
- Smart keys have computer chips that must be present to start the car.
- Fuse cut-offs
- Kill-switches
- Starter, ignition and fuel disablers
4. Tracking system
- Install a tracking system that alerts police or a
monitoring service when the vehicle is
reported stolen.
5. Avoid carjacking
- Drive with windows rolled up and doors locked.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- When stopped at a signal, leave enough
space between you and the next car to be
able to drive away if approached.
- Do not enter your car if someone is
loitering. Seek help.
- Be alert at drive-up ATMs.
- If all else fails, don't resist. Your life is
more important.
Report fraud and vehicle theft to your local law enforcement, as well as the National Insurance Crime Bureau at 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422). Your call to NICB can be anonymous and you may be eligible for a reward.
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