Auto
Theft
Don't
Make It Easy for a Thief To Steal Your Wheels.
One
vehicle is stolen every 20 seconds in the
United States
. Stolen
cars, vans, trucks, and motorcycles cost victims time and money - and increase
everyone's insurance premiums. They're
also often used to commit other crimes.
Don't become a victim of this serious crime.
The
Basic Prevention Policy
-
Never leave your keys in the car
or ignition.
-
Always lock your car, even if
it's in front of your home.
-
Copy your tag number and vehicle
identification number (VIN) on a card and keep them with your driver's license.
-
Keep the keys to your home and
car separate.
-
Keep your car in good running
condition. Make sure there's enough gas to get there and back.
-
Avoid parking in isolated areas
with little foot or auto traffic. Be especially alert in unstaffed lots and
enclosed parking garages.
-
If you think someone is following
you, drive to the nearest police or fire station, open service station, or
other open business to get help.
-
Don't pick up hitchhikers. Don't
hitchhike yourself.
-
If you often drive at night, or
alone, consider a CB radio or cellular phone to make it easier to summon help
in an emergency.
Vehicle
License Plate Safety Tips
Protect
your vehicle license plates and the registration tabs. Numerous license tabs
are being stolen and resold because proof of insurance is required in order to
apply for current registration.
-
Check your license plate
occasionally to ensure your current year license tab is attached
-
If you have a build up of past
year tabs remove them prior to adding the current year
-
Once you attach the current
sticker - slice an X or diagonal lines, with a sharp razor blade, through the
year tab so the sticker will not come apart in one piece
-
A sturdy metal frame bolted to
the license plate will discourage thieves from cutting the corner off your
license plate in order to steal the year sticker
-
Be aware of people loitering near
the rear of vehicles
-
Call the police if you suspect
criminal activity