MYTH:  Thieves usually break your window to get into your vehicle.

FACT:  There is no need to even break glass most of the time. Nearly half of all vehicles stolen are left unlocked.

L=LOCK YOUR VEHICLE

Completely close all of your vehicle windows, including the sunroof, and make sure all of the vehicle doors are locked, even while driving.

Never leave your vehicle running unattended, even for a minute to run into a daycare, gas station or ATM, and always try to park in well lit, parking lots with plenty of pedestrians.  Thieves do not like to be seen.

If you have a garage, park your vehicles in it and lock it. Understand that garage doors with automatic openers are especially vulnerable. Here are a few examples of things you can do to better protect your vehicle while in your garage.

• Many times thieves open garage doors by using decoders. Some thieves will even use a wire clothes hanger or break the decorative glass panels in the garage door and pull the red emergency release cord. Doing so allows the intruder to disengage the electronic device on the garage door and manually lift it when you are unaware. While there are many different types of garage door openers, purchasing a garage door monitor or auxiliary lock for the door is an inexpensive and effective means to make sure that your garage door is locked and/or alert you when the garage door is open.
• It is also important to lock the garage from the inside using a simple padlock through one of the track openings if you are leaving your vehicle at home while you are away for an extended period of time. However, if you choose this method, it is recommended that you unplug your electronic device so that you do not attempt to open it by mistake. You might also consider removing the electronic ignition fuse, coil wire, or rotor distributor to otherwise disable the vehicle.

O=OPT TO HAVE AN ALARM, TRACKING SYSTEM OR VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER INSTALLED ON YOUR VEHICLE

Alarm systems
If your vehicle already has an alarm, make sure that you use it. If it does not, alarm systems can be installed on any type of vehicle. Although several different types of alarms exist, a vehicle alarm is usually set-up to make loud warning sounds when a car's doors, hood or trunk are opened. The typical car alarm is equipped with motion sensors, impact sensors and a loud siren that sends out a series of tones. Panic buttons, back-up batteries, flashing parking lights/headlights and automatic engine-disable features are also popular options you can obtain with a vehicle alarm. You may also want to consider a hidden backup power source for your alarm, as professionals could deactivate the alarm if they get to the power source.

Tracking Systems
A vehicle tracking systems is a high-tech device designed to be hidden in your vehicle. This device, when activated, will emit a signal that alerts the police to the vehicle's location if reported stolen. Police can then monitor the location of your vehicle for quick recovery. As there are several different types of vehicle tracking systems on the market today, it is important that you do the proper research to find out the one that best serves your needs.

Immobilizers
Vehicle immobilizers are devices installed onto your vehicle to prevent a thief from bypassing your ignition and hot-wiring your vehicle. These devices include such things as:

• Smart keys - A computerized key that is necessary to start the vehicle
• Fuse cut offs - that halt the vehicle's electronic systems.
• Kill Switches, starter, ignition and fuel disablers - that halt fuel to the engine

C=CONTACT YOUR LOCAL POLICE AGENCY FOR INFORMATION ON PREVENTION PROGRAMS

While there are many programs available nationwide, it is important to contact your local police department to find out what type of programs they offer. Periodically, police agencies receive grants to be able to purchase things such as steering wheel locks and/or VIN etching equipment that enables them to offer those services free to their citizens. Your local police agency will also be able to provide information specific to the types and areas with which these crimes may be occurring.

K=KEEP VALUABLES AND PERSONAL DOCUMENTS OUT OF THE VEHICLE

Items left in a vehicle attract thieves. Sometime, vehicle thefts begin as a vehicle burglary. Leaving your purse, compact disks, and other person items of value in your vehicle can encourage entry into the vehicle for those items. Once the thief is in the vehicle, stealing the car might be an option he or she considers. Do not give the thief a reason to break in -- take everything with you.

Never leave the vehicles registration or title in your car. If stolen, this makes it easier for the thief to dispose of your vehicle. Keep it with your drivers license and carry it with you.

Never leave important information such as bank statements, credit card bills/statements or other personal documents in your vehicle. Thieves can use this information to steal your identity.

E=ENROLL IN THE WATCH YOUR CAR PROGRAM

The Watch Your Car decal program is a free program wherein vehicle owners register their vehicles with the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA). The vehicle is then entered into the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) database and participants receive Watch Your Car decals to place on the front and rear windows of their vehicle. When these decal are displayed, they convey to law enforcement officials throughout the state of Arizona that their vehicle is not normally in use between the hours of 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM, when a majority of the vehicles are usually stolen. If a police officer witnesses the vehicle in operation between these hours displaying the decal, they have the right to stop the vehicle and verify it is being legally operated by the rightful owner or someone authorized.

In addition, vehicle owners also authorize law enforcement officials to stop their vehicle at any time during the day or night within one mile of the border, if there is a suspicion that the vehicle is being illegally operated.

Enrollment forms for the Watch Your Car Program can be completed on-line through the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority.

M=MAKE SURE YOU TAKE YOUR KEYS

MYTH: All vehicles that are stolen are taken when the ignition is hotwired.

FACT:  Nearly 20% of all vehicles stolen have the keys

Always take your keys with you. Never hide your keys or a spare set in or on your vehicle as thieves know all the hiding places. Make sure that you lock your vehicle and take the keys with you, even if parked in your garage.  See LOCKS section for more information. 

O=OBTAIN V.I.N. ETCHING ON YOUR VEHICLE

VIN etching is the process of permanently etching the vehicles 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number on each piece of glass on the vehicle. Etching your vehicles VIN number serves as a permanent tattoo on your vehicle. VIN etching is an effective deterrent that assists police in tracing the vehicles past. The process of VIN etching does not hurt the vehicle and is only applied to the vehicles outer portion of glass. The VIN numbering is very small and white and will not even be noticed by someone passing by.

By having VIN etching completed on your vehicle, not only are you assisting the police in tracing the vehicles past, but you are also deterring a professional car thief who is considering taking that vehicle to a "chop shop." Most of the time, vehicles stolen and taken to chop shop are repainted and have the VIN plate changed on the vehicle and then resold. Placing the original VIN number on the glass means that the thief will be required to dispose of and replace all of the glass on the vehicle which greatly reduces any profit margin.

Having your vehicle VIN etched can cost in excess of $100.00 from other places, but you can have it done for "free" from many police agencies due to grant funding previously received. And it is very quick. It only takes 10 minutes to complete the process; however, to have it done a vehicle's owner MUST provide proof of vehicle ownership and current registration. Please check with your own local police department to see if they will be hosting one of these clinics soon. Check the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority site for upcoming events in your area.

Also, parts from older model vehicles are in high demand and are likewise stolen to be resold. All expensive accessories and major parts should be marked with the vehicles VIN number. This will aid the police department in the tracing of stolen goods.

U=USE OTHER ANTI-THEFT DETERRENTS

Don't just rely on one anti-theft device, layer your barriers!

Visible steering wheel locks, when applied correctly on the steering wheel of a vehicle, can prevent the steering wheel from being turned. They also serve as a visual deterrent to show a thief you are serious about keeping your vehicle safe. Although steering wheel locks are not always 100% effective at deterring a thief, a steering wheel lock does cause the thief to consider the extra time and difficulty involved in getting the lock off, thus increasing his chances of being caught.

Floorboard locks are also a great deterrent. A floorboard lock disables the gas or brake pedal, thus preventing their use.

Gearshift locks or tire locks prevent the vehicle from moving while hood locks prevent access to your security system and vehicle battery.

There is also such thing as an armored collar. These armored collars are wraps that go around the steering column to deter thieves from getting to ignition wires to start the vehicle.

Drop your business card, address label or other information inside your vehicles doors. This will identify you and where the vehicle was titled and registered.

T=TITLE AND OWNERSHIP RESEARCH

If you are buying or selling a vehicle, there are several things that you should remember.

If purchasing a vehicle:

• Be suspicious of any deals that seem "too good to be true," because they probably are.
• When buying from a probate individual, make sure that the title and registration match the name and address of the person selling the vehicle.
• Be cautious of someone who can not give you a permanent address, place of employment or home phone number and only has a cellular phone or a pager.
• Beware of a loose dashboard. It may indicate the VIN plate was replaced.
• Thieves may remove the VIN plate and replace it with one from a similar wrecked vehicle. Be sure the VIN plate on the dash is present, secure and has no loose rivets. If the VIN plate is scratched or bent, tampering may have occurred. All 1970 and newer autos produced in North America have stainless steel "rosette" rivets with six petals and a hole in the middle. They are difficult to scratch with a knife. If you are unsure of the authenticity, call your local police department.
• The VIN on the dash must also match the VIN number on the registration, title and federal safety inspection number on the driver's door. Make sure the safety inspection sticker on the door is in place and none of the numbers appear to be tampered with.
• Locate the vehicles VIN number on the engine and check the ignition switch for tampering.
• Be sure to check authenticity and issue date of the vehicles license plate stickers and number.
• Titles, especially from other states, and many registration cards can be altered or counterfeited. It is important to demand to view those documents prior to the transfer of any funds.
• You can also obtain information from VIN history websites that produce reports about a vehicles prior history by typing in the vehicle VIN number. Some police departments also have the ability to give you this information if a question exists.

If selling a vehicle:

• Do not invite a buyer you do not know into your home and do not give out unnecessary personal information
• Do not consider a test drive until you're confident the buyer is legitimate. If more than one person came with the buyer, make sure one person stays behind during the test drive and that personal information is obtained from the potential buyer. And also, make sure that you limit the test drive to areas that are familiar to you.
• Do not surrender ownership documents until you have verified that funds are valid. Also, if you accept any significant form of cash, do so in a location where you can immediately deposit it, rather than carry it around. Complete a Bill of Sale for the buyer with an odometer reading and all pertinent information about the vehicle and the buyer as well as the date and time of the sale. Have the Bill of Sale signed by both parties and keep a copy of it. Immediately notify the Motor Vehicle Division of the sale. You remain financially liable for accidents and certain other matters until proper paperwork is completed with the Motor Vehicle Division.

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