Don't Give a Thief a Free Ride

Tips from your law enforcement agencies and insurance companies

that will reduce your chances of becoming a victim of vehicle-

related thefts.

Give a Thief a Hard Time

Anti-theft devices create undesirable delays for the criminal. The

longer it takes a thief to commit the crime, the greater the chance

of being observed, scared off, or apprehended. Consider using one

or more of the following auxiliary locks and immobilizers to reduce

your chances of becoming a victim of a vehicle-related theft:

Steering Wheel Lock - This hook-type device locks the steering

wheel to the brake pedal. The lock should be adjustable to fit

properly and be visible from outside of the vehicle. Law

enforcement officials recommend that this device be constructed of

heavy steel with a tamper-resistant, case hardened lock.

Steering Wheel Clubs - Horizontal locking mechanisms that prevent

the steering wheel from turning. These devices are highly visible

and adjust to fit any size steering wheel. Police recommend

construction of tempered steel and an accompanying double-tumbler

lock.

Immobilizers - These mechanisms prevent the unauthorized use of a

vehicle by cutting off its fuel line, ignition system or starter

motor. They are often linked with an alarm system and some come

with a key pad code system and override feature for valet and

service access. Note: A short in an ignition system cut off

device could turn off the engine when the vehicle is in operation.

Hood and Trunk Locks - These locks should be constructed of solid

steel with a tamper-resistant, hardened steel cable. Look for a

plastic sleeve to prevent rattling and marring the vehicle's paint.

High quality keys and good key control practices are recommended to

prevent loss or duplication. Lock activation by a push/pull

release handle should be located inside the vehicle.

Spare Tire Lock - This lock of case hardened steel attaches to the

tire rack. A case-hardened steel padlock and hasp may also be used

on some types of vehicles.

Gas Cap Lock - This device should be easy to install and

constructed of heavy steel. Good key control will prevent loss and

duplication.

Accessory Security Devices - Disguises, locks or removable mounts

are available in various styles for radios, tape systems,

telephones and CB's.

Door and Window Locks - Tempered, die-cast metal knobs make it more

difficult for a thief to hook and lift door knobs from the outside.

Auxiliary locks for vent/wing windows offer additional security.

Wheel Cover Locks/Locking Lug Nuts - A braided wire cable attached

to a lug nut protects the wheel cover. Prevent tire theft with a

set of locking lug nuts.

Gear Shift Column Lock - This device locks the center floor gear

shift lever (in the park position) together with the emergency

brake lever. Law enforcement officials recommend that this device

be constructed of heavy steel with a tamper-resistant, case

hardened lock.

- When in doubt about the effectiveness of

an anti-theft device, it is a good idea to

consult your local law enforcement agency

before purchase.

Thieves love a free ride. A vehicle is stolen every 24 seconds in

the United States.

Your law enforcement agencies and insurance companies are

concerned over the rising number of vehicle-related thefts; the

increasing costs to protect, recover and replace vehicles, vehicle

accessories and personal property stolen from vehicles; and, more,

importantly, the havoc vehicle-related thefts create in the lives

of victims.

We are doing our best to battle the vehicle-related theft

epidemic which plagues our nation. However, law enforcement

officials and insurance professionals need everyone's help to fight

this crime.

The most effective means to protect your vehicle is a

combination of good crime prevention practices, use of anti-theft

devices and vehicle alarm systems. This brochure provides you with

practical, useful information on measures you can take to prevent

auto theft.

Vehicle Identification

All motor vehicles are equipped with a vehicle identification

number (VIN) that is unique to the vehicle. It is generally found

on the dashboard on the driver's side of the vehicle.

You can make your vehicle and personal property less

attractive to thieves by marking as many vehicle parts and

accessories as possible with your VIN. This will also aid in the

identification of recovered stolen property.

· Use paint or an indelible marker to put your VIN under the

engine hood, trunk lid and battery.

· Etch your VIN on all windows.

· Mark the VIN on accessories that will remain with the vehicle

when sold.

· Your driver's license number should be used to mark accessories

that would not remain with the vehicle when sold.

· Record the factory serial number of stereos and other

accessories and keep this list in a safe place away from your

vehicle.

Lock It Up...

· Always lock your vehicle and pocket the keys.

- Make sure the windows are rolled up tightly.

· Avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle. If property must be

left, hide it from view prior to parking.

Park Smart...

· At home, keep your vehicle inside a locked garage. If a garage

is not available, park in the driveway or in a well lit area.

· Away from home, park your vehicle in well traveled and well lit

areas.

· Towing thefts can be deterred by turning the wheels sharply to

one side when parallel parking, In vertical spaces, park nose

first for front wheel drive vehicles and back into the space with

your trunk end first for rear wheel drive.

· Place personal business cards or return address labels under the

floor mats or down windows inside the doors.

· Activate anti-theft devices and alarm systems prior to leaving

your vehicle.

· Secure "toppers" and tool boxes to your truck or recreational

vehicle. Don't rely on the weight to be a deterrent.

· Install your C.B. on a slide mount and remove it from the

vehicle when not in use.

Use Common Sense...

· Never leave an ID tag on your key ring. Thieves can locate your

vehicle or home through your lost or stolen keys.

· Keep your vehicle title in a safe place away from the vehicle.

Carry your vehicle registration certificate in your wallet rather

than glove compartment.

· Check your license plates and VIN tag frequently. If either is

missing, report the loss to the police.

· Report thefts of vehicles:

1) Call police immediately and report the year, make, model

and color(s).

2) Also report the date and time of theft (vehicles are often

stolen and used to commit other crimes).

3) Report suspect description, direction or witnesses if

known.

4) Call your claim into your insurance representative in a

timely manner.

Don't Buy a Stolen Vehicle...

When you're in the market for a used car, you should take the

following precautions:

1) Thoroughly check out the name, address, home and work

phone numbers of the seller.

2) Confirm that the seller has title to the vehicle being

sold.

3) Check the license plates and the VIN tag. The plates

should be in the same condition as the vehicle to which

they belong. Check with the Department of Motor Vehicles

to verify vehicle and ownership. Note: VIN tags of late

model vehicles have a total of 17 letters and numbers.

4) Check to see if the VIN tag is loose or has been tampered

with. If the VIN has been etched on the front windshield

match it with the tag on the dashboard.

5) Inspect the ignition key-way, doors and windows for

toolmarks or chipped paint or glass.

6) Check the title carefully. It should be issued in the

seller's name. Inspect the certificate for alterations

and forgeries.

7) Verify with banks or insurance companies that the seller

has clear and unencumbered title to the vehicle.

Report Abandoned Vehicles...

They are often the remnants of a theft. You can help local law

enforcement fight vehicle-related theft by reporting them.

Get Alarmed Over Auto Theft...

Alarm systems attract attention to illegal vehicle entry and should

be used in combination with other anti-theft devices. All systems

should include a sensor, warning device and an alarming/disarming

system. A combination of sensors and warning devices offers the

most complete alarm system.

Sensor Types:

1) "Current" - activated by any drain on the battery.

2) "Pin Switch" - activated by opening doors, trunk or hood.

3) "Motion Detector" - activated by jacking up the car,

towing or impact to the frame.

4) "Shock Sensor" - Activated by breaking glass, impact or

disturbance to the vehicle.

Warning Devices:

1) "Light emitting diodes" - bright red, highly visible

lights warn the vehicle is equipped with an alarm.

2) "Auto Horn" - an alarm system wired into the existing

horn.

3) "Siren" - high decibel auxiliary horn designed to draw

attention to tampering attempts.

4) "Lights" - vehicle headlights flash to draw attention to

vehicle tampering.

5) "Silent Paging" - a signal is sent to owner's paging unit

when someone tampers with the vehicle.

Arming Controls:

1) "Automatic" - activates when ignition is turned off and

key is removed.

2) "Manual" - activates when a button, switch, key pad or

remote control device is turned on.

- Additional alarm features available include automatic reset

sensors, warning devices, last door arming, preset exit and

entrance delays, alarm check, battery back-up, and panic buttons.

Don't Give a Thief A Free Ride

"Don't Give a Thief a Free Ride" is a joint community service

project of the Crime Prevention Association of Oregon and "your

insurance companies" through Western Insurance Information Service

(WIIS).