Sedona AZ (February 26, 2013) – Today every 30 seconds, a vehicle is stolen in the United States.

One of the biggest misconceptions about auto theft is where that theft occurs. More than 33% of all vehicle thefts occur near the car owner’s residence and around 20% of thefts occur in parking lots. You should be vigilant in securing your car especially at or near your home.

Luckily there are many preventive measures one can take to keep a car safe and secure. Here are eight things you can do to help protect against vehicle theft and be road smart:

• DON’T LEAVE YOUR CAR UNLOCKED 

Never leave your car running, especially while it is unattended or unlocked. Do not leave a spare key near your vehicle! Many people keep a spare key under the car, just in case they get locked out and thieves know exactly where to check for that extra key. While getting locked out of your car is a discomfort and time consuming, think about the potential issues and problems and hours that will be consumed if your car is stolen!

• NEVER LEAVE YOUR WINDOWS OPEN 

Even during the summer when it is scorching hot, don’t leave your windows open or slightly cracked when you are not in the vehicle, except when you leave your pet in the car. Always carry water and leave an open bowl of water in the vehicle for your pet even if a quick dash away from the car – air circulation to dissipate heat build-up by lowering windows is mandatory for pets left unattended in a vehicle. Recognize that your car and your pet are not secured or safe during this time and prior planning will prevent a poor outcome!

Leave pets at home if you cannot keep them with you at all times!

• PARK IN A WELL-LIT, PUBLIC AREA

Avoid parking in areas that are poorly lit or places that are not immediately seen by the public. This will not only keep you safe when you exit the car, it will also help keep your car safe because thieves tend to avoid areas that are highly visible and well-trafficked. Do not park late in the evenings in unknown areas – convenience should never trump safety!

• INSTALL AN AUDIBLE ALARM SYSTEM AND VISIBLE ANTI-THEFT DEVICE 

Car thieves tend to avoid cars with alarms or anti-theft devices because they attract attention when they go off. These devices are well worth the investment. Remember that a car alarm can also be a personal safety device – if afraid or intimidated, set off your alarm and stay inside with locked doors and use your cell phone to call 9-1-1.

• INSTALL A VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM 

Thieves can bypass your ignition by “hot wiring” your car. You can prevent this by using a vehicle mobilizer system such as fuel cut-offs and smart keys.

• INSTALL A GPS TRACKING SYSTEM 

When your vehicle is stolen, this tracking system will emit a signal to the police of your vehicle’s location. This may help the police recover your vehicle faster and may minimize the damage to your car. This may be a good investment if you live in an area with high auto theft rates.

• DON’T LEAVE VALUABLE PERSONAL PROPERTY OR INFORMATION IN YOUR CAR 

The best way to attract a thief is to leave your purse, shopping bags, or a high-value item in a highly visible area of your car! If you must put something of value in your car, keep it in the trunk or under the seats, where it is not visible to others. Pay attention when lifting your trunk lid and exiting/entering your vehicle – be aware of your surroundings. If shopping, ask store management for a security escort if the hour is late and the parking areas unattended. If an unknown person begins to approach you, return immediately to a well-lit and secure area. Do not use your cell phone while entering or exiting your vehicle! It’s an invitation to catch you unaware!

• USE COMMON SENSE 

If you are wary of the safety of your vehicle or see someone loitering nearby or around the parking lot, park somewhere else! Do not approach or exit your car without being aware of your surroundings! It’s better to walk an extra distance from a safer and secure parking area than to have your car stolen or to risk a personal attack!

Your safety is paramount – do not ignore your instincts. Vehicles are replaceable, you are not.

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