The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has
released several tips to protect car owners from vehicle theft. Studies show
that July and August are the months in which the highest numbers of vehicle
thefts occur, and more than 40% of vehicle thefts involve mistakes made by
drivers.
Motor vehicle owners are urged to take the following steps:
- Always take your keys with you when leaving your vehicle; do not leave them on or in the vehicle.
- Close and lock all windows and doors after parking.
- Park only in well-lit areas.
- If possible, keep cars in locked garages overnight.
- Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially not in parts of the vehicle that can be viewed through windows.
- Never leave a running vehicle unattended.
- Use antitheft/immobilizer devices.
NHTSA suggests that in the event of a vehicle theft, owners
should contact police immediately and their insurance company quickly
afterward. If the owner finds the vehicle, s/he should inform police and
his/her insurance company immediately.
Find more auto theft prevention resources here.