ANTI-THEFT DEVICES & PROGRAMS

CAR ALARMS
Alarms make loud warning sounds when the door, hood, or trunk of a car is tampered with. Most alarms have motion sensors, impact sensors and an audible alarm around 120 decibels. Alarms can run anywhere from $150-1,000 depending on the features. Please be aware that within the city limits of some cities owners can be cited if a false car alarm fails to re-set itself within five minutes.

VIN ETCHING
Every car has a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that is kept in databases that can be accessed by law enforcement agencies. However, in the event that your vehicle is stolen, these VIN numbers can be tampered with or removed. VIN etching is a process where the car ID number is etched onto all car windows. This provides a strong visual deterrent to thieves who would have to replace all the windows of the car before reselling it.

ELECTRONIC DISABLING DEVICES
An ignition kill switch is a hidden switch that needs to be turned on before the car will start. To work well they must be hidden well. "Immobilizers" and "Passkeys" work on similar principles. Please be aware that some warranties are nullified if a kill switch is installed. Electronic keys are an installed electronic system that only allows the vehicle to operate with a correctly coded key.

METAL DISABLING DEVICES
There is a variety of locking metal devices that can disable everything from your gearshift, gas petal, brake petal, hood, tires, or protect your steering column from breakage. The most well-known of these devices are steering wheel locks. This is a long, locking metal bar that fits on a steering wheel to prevent it from being turned. The steering wheel lock also acts as a good visual deterrent.

"LOJACK" PROGRAM
"LoJack" is a private security system that assists law enforcement by locating stolen vehicles. If an owner has a LoJack unit installed in their vehicle and the car is reported stolen, the VIN number is entered into a database. This turns the LoJack unit on in the stolen vehicle, which activates a signal that can be picked up by special tracking equipment installed in police patrol cars. Find out more at: www.lojack.com.

AUTO THEFT PREVENTION

Most cars are stolen by amateurs who are not highly skilled. There are some simple, common sense precautions that will make your car less of a target:

  • Turn off your vehicle and lock both your ignition and your doors whenever you leave your car. Theft often occurs when people leave cars running at gas stations, ATM's, even in their own driveways.
  • Completely close all your windows when parked.
  • Park in a well lit area.
  • Park in lots that have attendants.
  • If you have a garage, use it. Keep the garage and any doors leading to it locked and keep your car doors locked inside the garage.
  • Thieves often "tow" away cars. You can make this more difficult by parking your vehicle with the wheels turned toward the curb. If your car is rear-wheel drive, back into your driveway. If front-wheel drive, pull forward. Use your emergency brake when you park.
  • Never leave the title in your car.
  • Drop business cards or other identification inside vehicle doors.
  • Engrave your driver's license number preceded by the state letters (WA D.L.) or your cars Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on any removable equipment in your car.
  • Protect your vehicle with an anti-theft device or join a prevention program.
  • Replace "T-Shaped" door locks with straight locks so thieves cannot grab them with an implement through a crack in the window.

CAR PROWL PREVENTION

Car prowl is not a legal term, but it refers to theft from a vehicle and/or property damage that occurs while trying to gain access to a vehicle. It is by far the most prevalent vehicle related crime reported. To avoid a car prowl you should:

  • Never leave valuables in your car. If you must, make sure that nothing of value is within plan view. Even pocket change is enough of an enticement to some thieves.
  • If your stereo has a removable face, always take it off and take it with you when you leave. Don't forget to take your CDs or store them out of sight.
  • Stow valuables before you park the car.
  • Scan the area for suspicious persons before stowing items in your trunk.
  • If your car is stored in a carport or parked near your house, leave your exterior lights on throughout the night.
  • Consider an anti-theft device for your airbags.
  • Add locking lug nuts to protect your wheels and tires from theft.

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