| Don't Become a Car Thief's Next Victim |
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| Electronics - Gadgets |
| Written by Catelin McGlothlin |
| Thursday, 26 February 2009 10:34 |
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Although car theft in the United States decreases slightly every year, it's still a significant problem. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the U.S. motor vehicle theft rate in 2007 was 363.3 per 100,000 people. Every 28.8 seconds a car is stolen (2008 FBI data). Theft of components is also a problem, with 75,000 stolen airbags a year reported by the III. The problem is worst in urban areas. The South and West each account for about 36 percent of all car thefts in the country. Taken together, these two regions were the scene of nearly three-quarters of motor vehicle thefts in the United States.
Although car theft in the United States decreases slightly every year, it's still a significant problem. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the U.S. motor vehicle theft rate in 2007 was 363.3 per 100,000 people. Every 28.8 seconds a car is stolen (2008 FBI data). Theft of components is also a problem, with 75,000 stolen airbags a year reported by the III. The problem is worst in urban areas. The South and West each account for about 36 percent of all car thefts in the country. Taken together, these two regions were the scene of nearly three-quarters of motor vehicle thefts in the United States. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported in 2007 that fewer than 60 percent of car theft victims ever got their vehicles back. Many of those vehicles were returned with body damage and expensive parts stripped off, requiring extensive repairs and body shop work. Law enforcement officials stress the need to call the police immediately if your car is stolen, but the recovery numbers are dismal. The best way to deal with car theft is to take these steps to make sure it doesn't happen to you. * Lock up. Newer cars are easier than ever to secure when you step away even for a few minutes, with automatic locks and remote key fobs. Close your sunroof and roll up your windows before you leave. Avoid starting your car to warm it up unless you're sitting in it. An idling vehicle with the keys in the ignition takes mere seconds to steal and drive away. * Parking is an issue, both at home and away. At home, use your garage and lock it up, especially night. On-street parking can be a haven for thieves, especially in high-crime areas, so choose spots with good lighting and a good flow of vehicle and pedestrian traffic. * Don't make thieves' job easier. Crime experts warn against leaving a spare key hidden in or on the vehicle, because car thieves know all the good hiding spots for a spare key. Keep your vehicle papers with you and make a set for each driver in the family, instead of leaving them in the glove box. Keep the inside of your car clean and empty. Take your cell phone, music player, and other electronic devices with you when you leave the car, and never leave a purse, briefcase, or closed bag in plain sight while you're gone. * If you want to add an extra shield of protection, a number of devices are available that can go a long way toward making your car theftproof. Car security comes in many types and price ranges. At the most basic level, a simple steering wheel lock or brake pedal lock is an inexpensive way to secure your vehicle and is visible to thieves who might be sizing your vehicle up. Car alarm systems have sensors that trigger attention-getting devices like sirens, the cars horn, and flashing the headlights when a thief tries to break into the car. Sensors range from basic switches that trigger when a car door is opened, to glass-breaking detectors for thieves who use the smash-and-grab approach, motion sensors, sensors that detect changes in air pressure, and tilt detectors to deter crooks who bring a tow truck with them when they go out stealing vehicles. The kill switch is a relatively new development in vehicle security. These anti-theft devices work by keeping your car from starting unless you supply the correct inputs. Special ignition keys that release a radio signal to unlock your car's starting system are especialy popular. Other lockout devices may disable your car's fuel or electrical system while you're away. GPS devices and radio transmitters provide law enforcement with a way to find stolen vehicles and apprehend criminals. The LoJack transmitter system has a 90 percent recovery rate. Insurance carriers have begun offering their customers discounts on premiums to LoJack users, as well as on the transmitter systems themselves. Avoiding the car models that are most popular with thieves is another way to keep from becoming a victim. Crooks like late-model luxury SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade and the Hummer H2 because of their high resale price. If a thief has a chance to choose between stealing an SUV and stealing a small car, odds are eight times higher that the SUV owner will be the victim. About the Author: Catelin McGlothlin is a research expert and writer specializing in home and car security. Learn more about remote alarms at Auto Security. |