Avoiding Auto Theft
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported today that the Western United States was the primary target of the nation's auto bandits in 2005. Out of the ten metro areas with the highest rate of auto theft, Californian cities like Los Angeles occupied six positions, with cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix, Seattle and Yakima keeping them company.
This new study was interesting to me, mostly because a few of my friends have had their cars stolen. In fact just over a month ago, a couple of my friends were packing up their car to move from L.A. to Denver; when they locked up their old apartment for the last time and walked down to the street to get on the road, their car (and all of their belongings therein) was gone.
Thankfully, between their renters and auto insurance policies, they were well compensated. But that's not to say their claim alleviated the heartache and pain of replacing a vehicle, clothing, furniture, etc.
To avoid becoming a victim of auto theft, the NICB recommends a "layering" approach with the following tips:
- Use your Noggin. Common sense goes a long way when it comes to foiling auto thieves. Park your car in a well-lit area, lock your doors and roll up your windows. No matter what.
- Employ Warning Devices. Visible and audible devices give a would-be thief a heads up that your ride is not a force to be reckoned with. These devices include alarms, break pedal locks and VIN etching. Personally, I'm a big fan of The Club. I painted mine neon orange for good measure.
- Check out an Immobilizing Device. These devices prevent thieves from bypassing your ignition by hot-wiring the vehicle. These tools include smart keys, kill switches and starter, ignition and fuel pump disablers.
- Invest in a Tracking Device. A tracking device will emit a signal to the cop shop or a monitoring station when a vehicle is stolen, increasing the chance that you're car will be recovered and returned to you.
Now, I realize this sounds like a whole bunch of work. And, admittedly, a part of me thinks actually employing all of these tips and devices is borderline obsessive. Seems like it would take an average person close to ten minutes just to start their car in the morning. Nonetheless, it's better to be safe than sorry. Plus, your anti-theft efforts will probably be reflected in your auto insurance premium in the form of discounts.
So maybe your neighbors brand you the paranoid car freak of the block. You'll rest easier knowing your car will be in the driveway tomorrow morning. :)
[Check out the full NICB report courtesy of the Insurance News Net here.]
Comments
I've found that the greatest deterrent is owning a junky car.
I did have a habit of disconnecting the negatice cable from the battery in my Jeep, however. I don't know if anyone every tried, but it was never stolen.
Posted by: Peter | May 30, 2006 02:17 PM