Protect Your Auto
- Secure your items.
Do not leave anything in your car when you are shopping. - Secure your vehicle.
Don’t leave your vehicle running or keys in the ignition. Remove your keys, lock all your doors, and close your windows. NEVER leave your engine running and vehicle unlocked while you run into your home, a convenience store, or anywhere else. - Lock your car.
Always lock your car when leaving it, even to pump gas or run into a convenience store. Lock your doors immediately upon entering, even before you put the keys in the ignition. Keep the doors locked for the entire ride. - Use a visible anti-theft device.
Steering wheel locks and other devices alert thieves that your vehicle is protected. Consider a vehicle immobilizer, which prevents thieves from bypassing your ignition and hotwiring the vehicle. Popular devices include a smart key (specially-coded computer chip without which the engine cannot be started), fuse cut-off, kill switch (inhibits the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine), and starter, ignition, and fuel disablers. - Invest in a tracking system.
This will help police locate your vehicle in the event it is stolen. - Be cautious at the pump.
Choose well-lit stations with video cameras. Use the pump closest to the attendant. Remove your keys. - Park in well-lit areas, near sidewalks or walkways.
Avoid parking near dumpsters, large vans or trucks, or anything else that limits your visibility. - Avoid stairwells in parking garages.
Try walking down the auto ramp instead. As long as you watch for cars, the ramp can be much safer.
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