Sheriff's Combined Auto Theft Task Force

Parking Your Vehicle

· ALWAYS close your windows, lock the doors, and TAKE THE KEY WITH YOU, even if only for a minute.

· NEVER leave your motor running when unattended. This is one of the easiest ways to lose your vehicle, i.e. warm-up thefts on cold mornings, a quick trip into the store, etc.

· Park in a well lit, busy spot if possible. Thieves avoid witnesses.

· If you have a garage, use it and again, remove the key! If you don't have a garage, park in a driveway instead of the street if possible.

· Keep valuables out of sight, i.e. cellular phones, pagers, backpacks, purses, CD’s, valuable clothing, etc. Valuables in plain view are an open invitation for thieves.

· Don’t hide a spare key in your vehicle. Car thieves routinely check and know where to look.

· Turn your wheels sharply to the left or right, set the emergency brake and remove the key to lock the steering column. This locks the wheels, making it difficult for a thief to tow your car.

· Don’t loan your car to a stranger or casual acquaintance. Good intentions can result in the theft of your vehicle.

· When selling a car, DON'T let a stranger take it for a test drive alone. A car thief will not be back to pay for your car. If a prospective buyer wants to take the car to a mechanic for an appraisal, volunteer to deliver and pick up the car.

· Park recreational trailers loaded with boats, motorcycles, and jet skis in your garage or a secure area. It only takes seconds to pull your trailer away, push a motorcycle, or carry away your favorite jet ski. When attached to your vehicle and when not in use, lock the trailer tongue. Unsecured trailers are an easy target for anyone with a trailer hitch.

Other Auto Theft Prevention Tips

· Install tapered door lock buttons to keep thieves from using coat hangers to open your car doors from the inside.

· Always place your car keys in a safe location. It’s not uncommon for unfamiliar houseguests and partygoers to help themselves to your car keys and your car.

· If you purchase a used car, have the ignition switch changed. Thieves often sell cars and retain a set of keys to come back and steal it later.

· Install an anti-theft device such as an alarm or steering wheel-locking device. Advise potential thieves that you have an alarm by placing warning stickers on your windows or windshield.

· Electronic switches or devices to prevent your car from being started are available. These devices prevent an unauthorized person from starting your car unless the device is deactivated.

· When leaving a vehicle with a mechanic or parking attendant, leave only the ignition key. Remove all other keys. This prevents someone from making duplicates of your house key and visiting your home at a later date.

· DON'T keep the original title (Pink Slip) in your vehicle, keep it at home. This will prevent a thief from using the title to "prove" they own the car or fraudulently transferring title to an innocent purchaser.

· Electronic tracking systems are available for purchase, which can track and locate vehicles if they are stolen. These systems are expensive but could be a worthwhile investment for expensive or collectable vehicles.

· Protect yourself when buying a used car. Verify the seller's name and address, and be sure that the VIN on the registration card is the same as the VIN on the car itself. Thousands of stolen cars are seized from innocent buyers every year.