| Car theft is actually going down in the U.S., but | | | | another easy one. If you have a garage, use it. A |
| almost 1.2 million cars get stolen every year. There is | | | | thief would have to break into your house in that |
| no reason you have to be a victim. Avoiding car | | | | case, not just steal your car on the side of the |
| theft is not difficult. You just have to use your head. | | | | street. |
| Here are 10 easy tips to avoid auto theft. | | | | 7. Get an anti-theft device. This could be one installed |
| 1. Lock your car. About half of stolen vehicles are not | | | | by the car manufacturer, or a device you can buy on |
| locked. It's such a simple step. If you find yourself | | | | the aftermarket. In fact, it is smart to have both. |
| coming back to an unlocked car quite often, consider | | | | Get the anti-theft device from the manufacturer, and |
| posting yourself a reminder in a visible place in your | | | | then go buy The Club. Nothing deters a thief better |
| car. | | | | than seeing The Club locking your steering wheel. |
| 2. Take your keys. Yes, Roughly 20% of stolen cars | | | | 8. Set your emergency brake and turn your wheels |
| get driven away with their own keys in them. And | | | | toward the curb. These things make it harder for |
| since many cars these days won't let you lock the | | | | thieves to tow your vehicle away. |
| doors without using your key or a button on your | | | | 9. Consider a security tracking service. Lojack or |
| key fob, that means cars with their keys in them | | | | Onstar are the two biggest names. This not only can |
| also were unlocked. That's like putting out a welcome | | | | let law enforcement locate your car faster if it is |
| sign for thieves. | | | | stolen, but also might save you some money on your |
| 3. Hide your valuables. Don't tempt a thief by having | | | | auto insurance. |
| valuables in plain sight. You can not necessarily hide | | | | 10. Buy a car with an eye toward not having it stolen. |
| your car, but you don't have to put a bow on it. | | | | This is not something you can do if you already own |
| 4. Keep your windows up when you're not in the car. | | | | the vehicle, but if you are shopping, you should keep |
| An open window makes it easier to unlock your | | | | it in mind. But don't think only flashy cars get stolen. |
| car...or just open the door and get in. An open | | | | For years, the Honda Accord has been one of the |
| window is like locking your garage, but leaving your | | | | most stolen vehicles, because it's easier for thieves |
| front door unlocked. | | | | to sell the parts without attracting attention. |
| 5. Park in a public spot with lots of light. Thieves don't | | | | Most of those simple tips do not cost a dime. The |
| want to risk getting caught unnecessarily. If you park | | | | ones that cost something cost a lot less than having |
| in a dark alley, that is asking not to have a ride home. | | | | your car stolen. If you will use your head, avoiding |
| 6. Speaking of parking, park in your garage. This is | | | | car theft can be as routine as putting gas in your car. |