It may be hard to believe, but hundreds of thousands of cars are stolen every year resulting in losses extending into the billions of dollars. Many vehicle thefts could have been prevented had the owners taken some basic security measures. This report outlines the measures that you can take to protect an automobile from being stolen.
Other than thefts committed by professional car theft rings, motor vehicle thefts can be prevented. As indicated by the FBI statistics on arrests, a number of motor vehicle thefts are perpetrated by teenagers. Basic security measures can usually stop these unsophisticated thieves. The following information outlines the steps that can be taken to make an automobile less vulnerable to theft and, in the event it is stolen, to aid in its recovery. Many of the measures outlined apply to other types of motor vehicles as well.
While newer cars are more likely to be stolen, do not be careless because the car is old or not running properly. Car thieves make more money by dismantling a car and selling the parts than by selling it in one piece.
Avoid becoming the victim of a car hijacking. Park in a well-lighted and busy area, or in a well-lighted and attended garage, especially if planning to return to the car at night.
An unlocked car is an open invitation to a car thief (four out of five cars were unlocked at the time of theft, and one out of five had the keys in the ignition). Close all windows, lock all doors, and take the key with you.
Engrave the vehicle identification number (VIN) on several hidden places of the car using an engraving tool (which can usually be borrowed from the local police). This will aid the police in identifying the car in the event it is stolen and later recovered.
When buying a new car, check the dealer's list of security options.
There are several vehicle alarm systems available that will serve to deter or discourage the car thief and alert others of forced entry into the car. These systems generally consist of detectors, a control module, and a sounding device. The detectors sense the intrusion and signal the control module, which activates the sounding device.
The intrusion detectors used in vehicle alarm systems include pin, tilt, and shaker switches; resonance and voltage sensors; and glass break detectors. Pin switches rely on plunger action, like traditional tamper switches, to open or close circuits, triggering an alarm. Tilt (or mercury) switches and shaker switches trigger an alarm when the vehicle is moved, such as being jacked up or lifted up for towing. Resonance sensors detect sounds of vandalism or intrusion, like metal-to-metal contact between a pry bar and the vehicle's door. Voltage sensors are wired into the electrical system of the car and trigger an alarm when a drain of power is detected, such as from an interior hood or trunk light. Glass break detectors discern the sound of breaking glass.
At the heart of a vehicle alarm system is an electronic control module. The typical control module uses the car's electrical system for power, but can be provided with a backup battery to supply power to the alarm system should the car battery fail or be disabled by the thief.
Vehicle alarm systems are available that give the option of sounding an alarm locally, with a horn or siren, or remotely with a radio frequency (RF) paging system.
When all else fails, the final line of defense may be a vehicle tracking system, which can provide for emergency or distress aid, as well as help in the recovery of a stolen car. These systems depend on a radio transmitter hidden in the car that can communicate with a monitoring station to help locate it.
In one system, when a car is stolen, the owner reports the theft to the police and provides them with the car's identification number. The police then activate the hidden transmitter that, in turn, sends a coded signal to local patrol cars equipped with receiving equipment. Usually, the receiver in the police car can cover a 25-mi2 (64.7 km2) zone. A system disabler or vehicle alarm can be used in conjunction with the system. The major limitation of this system is that the car owner must report the theft before tracking can begin, and the police must be equipped to receive the signal.
Some vehicle recovery systems utilize global positioning systems (GPS) as the communication link between the car and a monitoring station. A transmitter in the car sends a signal to the satellite that relays it to the monitoring station, pinpointing the location of the car. This information can then be provided to local police. These systems can provide for emergency/distress signals, as well as allowing the monitoring station to disable the car.
Preventing automobile theft can turn your otherwise vulnerable car into a protected, and well-documented vehicle. Take on the task of accomplishing these goals at a pace that fits your schedule. The investment in time and materials will pay off in the long run, should your car ever fall victim to a robbery or theft. While you’re considering the various ways to protect your car, now’s a great time to review your auto policy and customize a policy that fits your specific needs. Contact your American Family Insurance agent (Opens in a new tab) today to discuss your options.