Bruce Mandelblit
Tuesday, April 2, 2002

Did you know:

• About $7.5 billion worth of vehicles are stolen each and every year!

• One auto is stolen every 20 seconds!

• Vehicle theft is the No. 1 property crime!

• It takes an expert car thief just seconds, with a screwdriver, to break into your vehicle – and less than one minute to drive it away!

1. When you park your auto, lock it (including completely closing your windows) and take your keys. Plus never hide a second set of keys in your car. Quick security tip: Even today, many vehicles are ripped off while the keys are still in the ignition, so don’t make it that easy for the "bad guys."

2. When possible, park in well-lit areas and attended parking lots. Quick security tip: If you must leave your key with a parking attendant, leave only the ignition key.

3. Never leave your auto running. Unattended cars are commonly stolen at convenience stores, ATMs and other "quick-stop" locations. Quick security tip: Not only is leaving an unattended running vehicle very dangerous – it's also illegal in many areas.

4. It's a good idea to park your vehicle as close as possible to an open business.

5. Also, don't tempt a thief – please do not leave any of your valuables in plain sight. Quick security tip: Why not secure your valuables in your trunk or cover them with a blanket?

6. Another simple idea is to always engage your emergency brake in a parked vehicle. 7. If you have a garage – use it. Quick security tip: Be sure to also secure your garage door as well.

8. If you will be gone for an extended period of time, you may want to consider removing your auto's distributor cap or the coil wire.

9. Never leave the car's registration or title in the vehicle.

10. You may want to replace any "T-shaped" door locks with the harder-to-open "straight" locks.

11. It's a good idea to perhaps etch your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on your windows. Quick security tip: Some police departments might offer this type of etching at no or low cost to you.

12. You may want to consider purchasing enhanced vehicle protection such as:

1. Electronic security systems.

2. Vehicle tracking systems.

3. Ignition and fuel "kill" switches.

4. Steering wheel locks.

5. Floorboard locks that prevent the use of the gas and/or brake pedal.

6. Wheel or tire locks.

7. Protective collars around the steering column that deter criminals from reaching the ignition wires.

A final thought – If your vehicle is stolen, please sure to report it at once to your local police agency. It is vital to have your vehicle's license plate number and/or its VIN available so it can be listed as stolen.

Your prompt reporting is the best chance you have to recover your vehicle before it is delivered to a "chop shop" for its parts or used in a crime (stolen autos are frequently used to commit other crimes).

An important heads-up: if you somehow recover your own car, please immediately advise the police. Otherwise, your car will continue to be listed as stolen.

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"Staying Safe with Bruce Mandelblit" is a regular column for the readers of NewsMax.com and NewsMax.com magazine. Bruce welcomes your security, safety and crime prevention questions. He will answer questions of general interest in his column. Bruce's e-mail address is CrimePrevention123@yahoo.com.

Bruce Mandelblit is a nationally known security specialist, as well as a highly decorated reserve Law Enforcement Officer. In addition, Bruce writes a column for the trade publication Security magazine.

This column is provided for general information purposes only. Please check with your local law enforcement agency for information specific to you and your jurisdiction.

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