How to prevent your car from being stolen

Here are some excellent common sense tips on how to thwart car thieves:

• Don't leave your car unlocked.
• Don't leave your car (locked or unlocked) with the key in the ignition.
• Avoid leaving your car running outside of a store or at home, even if you are just "dropping in for a minute" or warming up the car.
• If you have an alarm on your vehicle, use it!
• Don't leave expensive parcels or other attractive items in plain view on the car seat.
• When you have the option, park your car in well-lit areas, preferably where there are lots of people.
• When you park your car at home, ask your neighbours to keep an eye on it, and do the same for them.
• Try to avoid leaving your keys with others; keys can be stolen or copied. If you must leave a spare key on the outside of your car, be sure that it is well hidden.
• If you are buying a car stereo, choose a model with a theft deterrant system.
• Ask local police and motorists' associations for advice on which cars are most difficult for thieves to steal, or conversely, which are easiest to steal and which are the most popular to car thieves.
• Make your views known to car manufacturers and legislators: the theft-resistance of most cars could be improved at very little cost at the manufacturing stage.
• Take a picture of your car and keep it in a safe place; it will make the job easier for police if your car is stolen.
• Lobby your local member of your provincial legislature for stricter rules for registering vehicles and tracking the disposition of cars that are scrapped. The VIN plates of junked vehicles too often find their way onto stolen cars, thus "legitimizing" them in official records.
• Know the pedigree of any second-hand parts you buy; if the price is too good to be true, chances are they're stolen.
• Mark some of the more expensive parts on your car in an inconspicuous place with an engraving tool, using your car's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). On metal parts, cover the number with rust-inhibitor. Glass etching is a good deterrent. Thieves don't like cars with parts that can be traced.

Source: Numerous sources, including the Vehicle Information Centre of Canada

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