In the United States, a vehicle is stolen every 21 seconds. Stolen cars, vans, trucks and motorcycles cost victims time and money — and increase everyone's insurance premiums. Here are some common sense tips on how to prevent vehicle crimes:
Lock your car doors and close your windows, even if it’s in your driveway or in front of your home.
Never leave your car running or the keys in the ignition when you're away from it, even for "just a minute."
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER leave your child unattended in your car—not even for a moment. Many cars have been stolen with children in them.
Carry the registration and insurance card with you. Don't leave personal identification documents or credit cards in your vehicle.
Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Put them in the trunk or at least out of sight.
Remember, briefcases, sunglasses, clothing, keys, gym bags, and small change are all tempting to a thief.
If you do, make sure they are kept out of plain sight – under the seat or better yet, in the trunk. Numerous break-ins are crimes of opportunity.
When transporting valuables, place them in the trunk before you arrive at your parking spot. Don’t transfer them in open view of other people.
Don’t leave your garage door opener on the dashboard or front seat. Put it in your glove box, hide it or take it with you.
At night, always try to park in a busy, well-lighted area.
Remove portable electronic devices such as smart phones and GPS navigation systems – including suction cup or bean bag type mounts. (Even the visible appearance of a suction cup ring on the glass windshield can be an enticement to a thief to break in and look for the GPS system.) When you leave your car, put these items in the trunk or take them with you.
Leave only the ignition key (or valet key) with the parking attendant in a commercial parking lot or when you have your vehicle serviced. Make sure no personal information is attached.
Lock your car doors, whether driving or parked.
Do not hide a key in or on your vehicle.
Observe your surroundings prior to exiting your vehicle.
Look for strangers or danger signs as you approach your car. If it doesn’t look right, walk past your car and call the police.
If possible, walk to your car with someone else.
Know how to use the panic alarm on your car keys. Keep it in your hand while walking to your car.
BE AWARE of your surroundings at all times. STAY OFF YOUR CELL PHONE while you walk. Remember, holding a smart phone is the same as holding several hundred dollars in cash.
Carjacking
Carjacking is stealing a car by force. Statistically, your chances of being a carjacking victim are relatively slim, but there are some preventative actions you can take to reduce the risk even more.
First rule – NEVER go with a carjacker. Your survival chances decrease dramatically if you are kidnapped. Give them the car, but YOU get out.
Want to take your career in security to the next level?
If the carjacker has a weapon, give up the car with no questions asked. Your life is worth more than a car.
Don’t speed away if the carjacker has a gun pointed at you. The sudden movement may cause him or her to shoot. Get out and give up the car.
If someone attempts to get in your car, drive away. Run the light, make a U-turn or do whatever is necessary to get away from them.
When driving, keep your car doors locked and windows rolled up at all times.
Be especially alert at intersections, gas stations, ATM's, shopping malls, convenience and grocery stores — all are windows of opportunity for carjackers.
At night, park in well-lighted areas with good visibility, close to walkways, stores and people.
When you stop at a traffic light or stop sign, leave enough distance to pull out of the line of traffic and drive away. DO NOT pull within 2-3 feet of the car in front of you, because you may be trapped.
Be familiar with a panic alarm if you have one. Know exactly how to push the button.
NEVER leave your car running when you get out at a gas station, etc.
If a stranger flags you down, DON’T STOP, regardless of how desperate they look. Call the police and give them the stranger’s location.
Beware of “bump and rob.” If you get hit in a minor collision and suspect something is wrong, drive to a safe location and call the police. If you stop, don’t get out or roll your window down. Call the police immediately.
Be aware of individuals impersonating police officers. Look for emergency lights and ask to see their badge and ID card. Unmarked/plainclothes officers should be more than willing to call a marked car to the scene before you exit the car.
NEVER let someone take your car with a child in it. Scream, kick, fight, gouge eyes and do whatever it takes to stop them.
911 as soon as a crime occurs.
any questions or information on crime prevention topics, please contact us.
Lawrence J. Fennelly, CPOI, CSSI, CHL-III
617-686-9867
Marianna A. Perry, M.S., CPP
502-693-2421
Some content in this article was compiled from materials provided by the National Crime Prevention Council and the Louisville Metro Police Department.
