• Always lock your car and take the keys with you.

• Never hide a spare key on the vehicle.

• Roll up windows completely.

• Park in well lighted areas - use motion detector lights at home.

• When parking in attended lots or parking garages, leave only the ignition key with an attendant - or leave a "valet" key.

• Park as close as possible to an open business.

• Do not leave valuables in sight to tempt a thief.

• Don't put packages in the trunk when you arrive at a new location, put them in before you leave the old location (thieves often watch parking lots for this type of behavior).

• Always park with wheels turned toward the curb. This makes it difficult for a thief to tow the vehicle.

• Back your car into the driveway. If you drive forward into the driveway, a car thief could raise the hood to hot-wire the car, and it would appear to neighbors that you were just working on the car.

• Use your garage if you have one.

• Lock your garage door.

• When leaving the car unattended for lengthy periods (i.e. going out of town) remove the distributor cap or the coil wire.

• Never leave your car running while it is unattended.

If Your Car Is Stolen

• Report the theft to the Police as soon as possible.

• Before the vehicle can be listed as stolen, you must have your vehicle's license number and/or the Vehicle Identification Number (also called the VIN number).

• Stolen vehicles are sometimes used in the commission of other crimes.

• Some stolen vehicles are deliberately vandalized by thieves.

• Quick action often results in faster recovery of your vehicle as well as prevention of another crime.

• If the criminal is apprehended, be willing to file charges.

• Testify against the criminal in court.

• If you recover your own vehicle, do not touch or move it in order to preserve possible evidence. Call the Police.

Anti-Theft Devices

Anti-theft devices are not foolproof, but they can stop the amateur and slow down the professional. Anti-theft devices include 

• Kill Switch: The car will not start unless a hidden switch is activated. This switch prevents electrical current from reaching the coil. Please check your warranty before installing one of these switches.

• Alarm Systems: These systems activate a siren, lights, or horn if the car is tampered with. Consider a backup power source for the alarm, as professionals will generally go after the power source. Keys or code numbers to the alarm should never be given to parking lot attendants.

• Fuel Switch: This device stops the fuel supply.

• Armored Collar: This equipment consists of a metal shield that locks around the steering column and covers the ignition, the starter rods, and the steering wheel interlock rod.

• Locking Gas Cap

• Crook Lock: This is a long metal bar that has a hook on each end to lock the steering wheel to the brake.

• Chain and Lock. These devices should be used to secure motorcycles and motorscooters.

• Keyless Entry System.

Identifying Your Car

• Etch Vehicle Identification Numbers on window glass trim

• Engrave expensive accessories such as T-tops, radios, etc. with car's Vehicle Identification Number.

• Drop a business card into the door frame.

• If possible, retain copies of all vehicle paperwork at home in a safe place.

• It is not a good practice to keep the original certificate of title in the vehicle. If the car is stolen, this title could be altered easily and/or your signature forged. In Washington, however, you are required to have your vehicle registration certificate (issued with your license plates or tabs, and proof of liability insurance in the vehicle with you at all times).