Protect Your Vehicle
Content
Tips on REDUCinG VEHiCLE THEfT anD THEfTs fRom yoUR VEHiCLE Follow these tips to reduce your chances of being the victim of auto theft. 1. Always lock your car. Approximately 50% of all vehicles stolen were left unlocked. 2. Always take your keys. Never leave them in the car. Nearly 20% of all vehicles stolen had the keys in them. 3. Never hide a second set of keys in your car. Extra keys can easily be found if a car thief takes time to look. 4. Park in well-lit areas. Over half of all vehicle thefts occur at night. 5. Park in attended lots. Auto thieves do not like witnesses and prefer unattended parking lots. 6. If you park in an attended lot, leave only the ignition/door key. If your trunk and glovebox use the same key as the door, have one of them changed. Don’t give the attendant easy access to your glovebox and trunk. It may be inconvenient, but check the tires, spare and battery to insure they are the same as those you had when you parked. 7. Never leave your car running, even if you will only be gone for a minute. Vehicles are commonly stolen at convenience stores, gas stations, ATMs, etc. Many vehicles are also stolen on cold mornings when the owner leaves the vehicle running to warm up. 8. Completely close your car windows when parking. Don’t make it any easier for the thief to enter your vehicle. 9. Don’t leave valuables in plain view. Don’t make your car a more desirable target and attract thieves by leaving valuables in plain sight. 10. Park with your wheels turned towards the curb. Make your car tough to tow away. Wheels should also be turned to the side in driveways and parking lots. 11. If your vehicle is rear-wheel drive, back into your driveway. Front-wheel drive vehicles should be parked front end first. On fourwheel drive vehicles the rear wheels sometimes lock, making them difficult to tow. 12. Always use your emergency brake when parking. In addition to ensuring safety, using the emergency brake makes your car harder to tow. 13. If you have a garage, take the time to use it rather than parking outside where your vehicle is more vulnerable. 14. When parking in a garage, lock the garage door and your vehicle. By locking both the garage and vehicle doors, the chances of deterring a thief greatly improve. 15. Don’t leave the registration in your car. A car thief will use this to sell your stolen car. Either file the registration at your home
PROTECTING YOUR VEHICLE
or office, and carry a photocopy or carry the registration in your purse or wallet. 16. Disable your vehicle when leaving it unattended for an extended period. Remove the electronic ignition fuse, coil wire, rotor distributor, or otherwise disable your vehicle anytime thieves may have extended access to it. 17. Replace “T” shaped door locks with straight locks. Some vehicle doors have lock assemblies at window level that flare out in a knob or “T” shape. A thief can use various tools to gain access inside the vehicle, grab and pull the lock. Straight locks prevent this. 18. Vehicle identification number (VIN). Stolen cars/parts are more easily traced when vehicle VIN numbers have been etched on car windows and major parts. ID stickers include VINs and can assist police in identifying your vehicle in the event that it is stolen. 19. Engrave expensive accessories. Engrave personal ID numbers on car stereos, cellular phones, etc., so the thief will have difficulty disposing of them. 20. Drop business cards, address labels, or other ID inside vehicle doors. Car thieves usually alter vehicle identification numbers. By marking your vehicle a much as possible, you assist police in identifying your car. 21. Splice an inexpensive toggle switch into your ignition wire or to your starter. The trick is hiding the switch well. Keypads, pressure pads and more expensive “immobilizes” and “passkeys” can also be used. 22. Install a fuel kill switch. 23. Use a visible steering wheel lock which both prevents the steering wheel from being turned and discourages would-be thieves. 24. Install floorboard locks—devices that disable the gas or brake pedal. 25. Use a gearshift lock. It disables shifting of the transmission. 26. Tire/wheel locks prevent the vehicle from moving. 27. Hood locks prevents the thief from gaining access to your security system and battery. 28. Installing an armored collar around the steering column protects the column and ignition. 29. Use an alarm. Loud warnings sound when doors/hood/trunk are opened. Optional sensors include glass breakage, motion, tampering and towing. Panic buttons, back-up batteries, flashing parking lights or headlights, and automatic engine disable features are also recommended. 30. Use a vehicle tracking device. A transmitter hidden in your car enables police to track car. 31. Use special license plate locking screws to make it hard for thieves to remove your license plate. WHEn BUyinG a UsED CaR 1. When buying from a private individual, make sure the registration matches the name and address of the person selling the car. It goes without saying, be very cautious of a seller with no fixed address, or phone number. Ask the seller for references about past financing and insurance on the vehicle. Verify the information with the bank, finance company, or agent. 2. Ensure the vehicle identification number (VIN) plate on the automobile dash is present, secure, and has no loose rivets. Check to see if there is an ID sticker in the glove box or on the door jam that matches the VIN on the dashboard. Ensure the VIN plate rivets are original. All 1970 and newer automobiles produced in North America have stainless steel “rosette” rivets with six petals and a hole inside the middle. They are difficult to scratch with a knife. 3. Thieves may remove the VIN plate and replace it with one from a similar wrecked vehicle. If in doubt about plate authenticity, check with a new car dealer who handles the same model or contact a law enforcement agency. 4. The VIN on the dash must match the VIN on the registration. 5. An excessively loose ignition switch may indicate tampering. Check the switch for chisel or pull marks. 6. Be wary of a fresh paint job on a newer vehicle. This may indicate an attempt to change the car’s identity. 7. Check the inspection and license plate stickers to be sure they are current and issued by the same province. 8. If the seller provides you with only re-made keys, not original manufacturer’s keys, be suspicious. 9. Question the seller if the registration was recently issued to an older vehicle. 10. Compare the engine identification numbers with all other numbers to ensure a match. 11. Be cautious of new license plates on an old car, or new plate bolts on an older plate. spoTTinG sToLEn aUTomoBiLEs Most stolen cars are driven through the streets regularly—and thieves may be using them to commit other crimes. You can spot many of these cars and report them immediately to the police. Look for: • Vehicles being operated without ignition keys. • Broken plastic or holes in side of steering column. • Broken window glass. • Dirty tags on shiny cars, or new bolts on old license plates. • Persons offering to sell cars or accessories at less than their regular value.
PROTECTING YOUR VEHICLE
THE Vin nUmBER The VIN is a unique vehicle identification number. VINs are normally located in several locations on a car, but the most common places are: • • • • • • • • On the door frame/door post of the front doors (usually driver’s but sometimes passenger’s) On the engine itself (machined pad on front of engine) On the dash near the windshield On the car’s firewall In the left-hand inner wheel arch On the steering wheel/steering column On the radiator support bracket On your car’s title, registration, warranty, or on the declarations page of your auto insurance policy.
pERsonaL safETy in yoUR CaR 1. When driving your car, keep your doors locked and windows rolled up. 2. If you stop in traffic or at a light, keep your car in drive and stay alert. 3. Never pick up hitchhikers. 4. Travel on well-lighted, busy streets. Avoid unsafe areas. 5. Check your daily routes—look for safe places to stop, such as police or fire stations, all-night convenience stores, or gas stations. If you are being followed, go up to a public place that is safe and call 911. Don’t bring the problem home with you. ConVEniEnCE DEViCEs Credit Card Key This is a special plastic card that holds two keys (also plastic) which you can have cut to fit your door and ignition system. Carry it with you in case you lose your regular set of keys. Available at many lock and key shops. Wheel Locks Wheel locks are an inexpensive way to prevent the theft of your vehicle’s wheels and tires. Window film Window Film can increase the strength of your side and rear windows. Etching Window Glass Etching the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into your window glass is a way of keeping the vehicle from being stolen for the glass parts. Locking Gas Cap A Locking Gas Cap prevents thieves from stealing the gas or refilling the gas tank if they steal the vehicle. For added convenience, many of the locking gas caps with combination access also provide a locked place to hide the vehicle’s extra set of keys. Bar Locks Bar locks attach to the steering wheel and block the ability to steer the vehicle. They can also stop the theft of the air bag. This tool can be enhanced with the use of a shield that makes it more difficult to cut the steering wheel and remove the bar lock.
PROTECTING YOUR VEHICLE
anTi-THEfT DEViCEs Engine Disabler or Kill switch Time Delay switch
This well hidden switch is installed so when turned on, it cuts power to your starter. fuel switch
This is a power cut-off device which, unless a switch is turned off, will disable your car shortly after it’s started. Time Delay ignition
When turned on, this mechanism stops the flow of fuel from the fuel pump so the car will only go a short distance and then quit. armor Collar
This device will activate your ignition only after a preset time has passed. There is no way to activate the ignition before the preset time has elapsed. Clutch and Brake Lock
A metal shield that locks around your steering column, which prevents tampering with the ignition switch or starting mechanism. This prevents “hot-wiring” a car because the area is inaccessible. Hood Locks
This mechanism, used only on manual transmission vehicles, locks the brake pedal and the clutch pedal together so one can’t be operated without the other. Brake Lock on Hydraulic system
Hood locks prevent a thief from stealing parts under the hood or disconnecting anti-theft devices.
This is a mechanism which, when activated, locks on all four brakes and makes it difficult to move or tow the car, even if the engine is started.
aLaRm sysTEms These can have many features. Some of these features are: • Keyless entry that enables you to open and lock the vehicle while arming or disarming the system. It could also allow you to open the trunk remotely. • Electric scan prevention stops the use of scanning tools to duplicate your remote’s signal. • Built-in kill switch that disables the ignition or cuts off the fuel supply. • A loud horn or siren that can be activated from the remote. This acts as a panic alarm. • An impact sensor that sets off the alarm before the glass breaks. • A proximity sensor that warns people when they get too close to the vehicle. • A hood sensor that sounds the alarm if someone is tampering with the hood. • A remote notification device that tells owner if the alarm is going off.
PROTECTING YOUR VEHICLE
• An LED warning light that notifies a car thief that your alarm is activated. • Remote starting devices that will allow you to warm up your vehicle in the cold without the threat of someone stealing it. More expensive alarm systems can include: • Remote control of the vehicle: If the driver does not enter a code before starting, the alarm company is alerted and tracks the vehicle. With this system, the police can shut off the vehicle so the thieves can’t escape. It also allows the owner to call the alarm company and shut off the car in case of a carjacking. • This technology allows the owner to call and have the door opened or the vehicle started anywhere in the world. • It will tell you where you are within 10 feet of your exact location and give you directions on how to get to your destination. Before you buy an alarm system, contact your insurance company. With the right features, you may qualify for a discount. TRaCKinG DEViCEs There are a number of tracking devices on the market. While more expensive than other vehicle protection devices, their extremely high recovery rate makes them a worthwhile investment. Devices currently available in Canada include: Lojack http://www.lojack.com/ OnStar http://www.onstar.com/canada_english/jsp/index.jsp (On selected 2009 models, OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown will allow advisors working with law enforcement services to send a signal to limit fuel flow to the engine, gradually slowing down the stolen vehicle and protecting innocent bystanders and police from potential injuries resulting from a dangerous high speed pursuit.) Boomerang Tracking http://www.boomerangtracking.com/index.aspx?lang=EN-CA Networkcar http://www.networkcar.com/networkcar/pub/main HELpinG poLiCE RECoVER yoUR sToLEn VEHiCLE 1. Don’t keep your vehicle ownership, identification, or credit cards in your car. Keep them in your possession. If you loan your vehicle to anyone, give them a photocopy of the vehicle registration to carry with them while using your vehicle. 2. Hide your business cards or address stickers with your name in places such as under the hood of your car and under the floor mats or seats. Also drop them in window channels inside the doors. Another option is etching your VIN number on one or more windows. 3. If you have a tracking device installed in your vehicle, be sure to keep contact information in your possession. The sooner your vehicle can be located, the better the chances of it being recovered intact. 4. Be sure to call 911 and report your car stolen as soon as possible. Also, be willing to assist in prosecution.
Crime Reduction Canada wishes to acknowledge the sponsorship of
www.IDTjustice.com Without their generous sponsorship, the Crime Reduction Canada web site would be not be possible.
This document was prepared as a public service by Crime Reduction Canada.
www.CrimeReductionCanada.com
PROTECTING YOUR VEHICLE
or office, and carry a photocopy or carry the registration in your purse or wallet. 16. Disable your vehicle when leaving it unattended for an extended period. Remove the electronic ignition fuse, coil wire, rotor distributor, or otherwise disable your vehicle anytime thieves may have extended access to it. 17. Replace “T” shaped door locks with straight locks. Some vehicle doors have lock assemblies at window level that flare out in a knob or “T” shape. A thief can use various tools to gain access inside the vehicle, grab and pull the lock. Straight locks prevent this. 18. Vehicle identification number (VIN). Stolen cars/parts are more easily traced when vehicle VIN numbers have been etched on car windows and major parts. ID stickers include VINs and can assist police in identifying your vehicle in the event that it is stolen. 19. Engrave expensive accessories. Engrave personal ID numbers on car stereos, cellular phones, etc., so the thief will have difficulty disposing of them. 20. Drop business cards, address labels, or other ID inside vehicle doors. Car thieves usually alter vehicle identification numbers. By marking your vehicle a much as possible, you assist police in identifying your car. 21. Splice an inexpensive toggle switch into your ignition wire or to your starter. The trick is hiding the switch well. Keypads, pressure pads and more expensive “immobilizes” and “passkeys” can also be used. 22. Install a fuel kill switch. 23. Use a visible steering wheel lock which both prevents the steering wheel from being turned and discourages would-be thieves. 24. Install floorboard locks—devices that disable the gas or brake pedal. 25. Use a gearshift lock. It disables shifting of the transmission. 26. Tire/wheel locks prevent the vehicle from moving. 27. Hood locks prevents the thief from gaining access to your security system and battery. 28. Installing an armored collar around the steering column protects the column and ignition. 29. Use an alarm. Loud warnings sound when doors/hood/trunk are opened. Optional sensors include glass breakage, motion, tampering and towing. Panic buttons, back-up batteries, flashing parking lights or headlights, and automatic engine disable features are also recommended. 30. Use a vehicle tracking device. A transmitter hidden in your car enables police to track car. 31. Use special license plate locking screws to make it hard for thieves to remove your license plate. WHEn BUyinG a UsED CaR 1. When buying from a private individual, make sure the registration matches the name and address of the person selling the car. It goes without saying, be very cautious of a seller with no fixed address, or phone number. Ask the seller for references about past financing and insurance on the vehicle. Verify the information with the bank, finance company, or agent. 2. Ensure the vehicle identification number (VIN) plate on the automobile dash is present, secure, and has no loose rivets. Check to see if there is an ID sticker in the glove box or on the door jam that matches the VIN on the dashboard. Ensure the VIN plate rivets are original. All 1970 and newer automobiles produced in North America have stainless steel “rosette” rivets with six petals and a hole inside the middle. They are difficult to scratch with a knife. 3. Thieves may remove the VIN plate and replace it with one from a similar wrecked vehicle. If in doubt about plate authenticity, check with a new car dealer who handles the same model or contact a law enforcement agency. 4. The VIN on the dash must match the VIN on the registration. 5. An excessively loose ignition switch may indicate tampering. Check the switch for chisel or pull marks. 6. Be wary of a fresh paint job on a newer vehicle. This may indicate an attempt to change the car’s identity. 7. Check the inspection and license plate stickers to be sure they are current and issued by the same province. 8. If the seller provides you with only re-made keys, not original manufacturer’s keys, be suspicious. 9. Question the seller if the registration was recently issued to an older vehicle. 10. Compare the engine identification numbers with all other numbers to ensure a match. 11. Be cautious of new license plates on an old car, or new plate bolts on an older plate. spoTTinG sToLEn aUTomoBiLEs Most stolen cars are driven through the streets regularly—and thieves may be using them to commit other crimes. You can spot many of these cars and report them immediately to the police. Look for: • Vehicles being operated without ignition keys. • Broken plastic or holes in side of steering column. • Broken window glass. • Dirty tags on shiny cars, or new bolts on old license plates. • Persons offering to sell cars or accessories at less than their regular value.
PROTECTING YOUR VEHICLE
THE Vin nUmBER The VIN is a unique vehicle identification number. VINs are normally located in several locations on a car, but the most common places are: • • • • • • • • On the door frame/door post of the front doors (usually driver’s but sometimes passenger’s) On the engine itself (machined pad on front of engine) On the dash near the windshield On the car’s firewall In the left-hand inner wheel arch On the steering wheel/steering column On the radiator support bracket On your car’s title, registration, warranty, or on the declarations page of your auto insurance policy.
pERsonaL safETy in yoUR CaR 1. When driving your car, keep your doors locked and windows rolled up. 2. If you stop in traffic or at a light, keep your car in drive and stay alert. 3. Never pick up hitchhikers. 4. Travel on well-lighted, busy streets. Avoid unsafe areas. 5. Check your daily routes—look for safe places to stop, such as police or fire stations, all-night convenience stores, or gas stations. If you are being followed, go up to a public place that is safe and call 911. Don’t bring the problem home with you. ConVEniEnCE DEViCEs Credit Card Key This is a special plastic card that holds two keys (also plastic) which you can have cut to fit your door and ignition system. Carry it with you in case you lose your regular set of keys. Available at many lock and key shops. Wheel Locks Wheel locks are an inexpensive way to prevent the theft of your vehicle’s wheels and tires. Window film Window Film can increase the strength of your side and rear windows. Etching Window Glass Etching the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into your window glass is a way of keeping the vehicle from being stolen for the glass parts. Locking Gas Cap A Locking Gas Cap prevents thieves from stealing the gas or refilling the gas tank if they steal the vehicle. For added convenience, many of the locking gas caps with combination access also provide a locked place to hide the vehicle’s extra set of keys. Bar Locks Bar locks attach to the steering wheel and block the ability to steer the vehicle. They can also stop the theft of the air bag. This tool can be enhanced with the use of a shield that makes it more difficult to cut the steering wheel and remove the bar lock.
PROTECTING YOUR VEHICLE
anTi-THEfT DEViCEs Engine Disabler or Kill switch Time Delay switch
This well hidden switch is installed so when turned on, it cuts power to your starter. fuel switch
This is a power cut-off device which, unless a switch is turned off, will disable your car shortly after it’s started. Time Delay ignition
When turned on, this mechanism stops the flow of fuel from the fuel pump so the car will only go a short distance and then quit. armor Collar
This device will activate your ignition only after a preset time has passed. There is no way to activate the ignition before the preset time has elapsed. Clutch and Brake Lock
A metal shield that locks around your steering column, which prevents tampering with the ignition switch or starting mechanism. This prevents “hot-wiring” a car because the area is inaccessible. Hood Locks
This mechanism, used only on manual transmission vehicles, locks the brake pedal and the clutch pedal together so one can’t be operated without the other. Brake Lock on Hydraulic system
Hood locks prevent a thief from stealing parts under the hood or disconnecting anti-theft devices.
This is a mechanism which, when activated, locks on all four brakes and makes it difficult to move or tow the car, even if the engine is started.
aLaRm sysTEms These can have many features. Some of these features are: • Keyless entry that enables you to open and lock the vehicle while arming or disarming the system. It could also allow you to open the trunk remotely. • Electric scan prevention stops the use of scanning tools to duplicate your remote’s signal. • Built-in kill switch that disables the ignition or cuts off the fuel supply. • A loud horn or siren that can be activated from the remote. This acts as a panic alarm. • An impact sensor that sets off the alarm before the glass breaks. • A proximity sensor that warns people when they get too close to the vehicle. • A hood sensor that sounds the alarm if someone is tampering with the hood. • A remote notification device that tells owner if the alarm is going off.
PROTECTING YOUR VEHICLE
• An LED warning light that notifies a car thief that your alarm is activated. • Remote starting devices that will allow you to warm up your vehicle in the cold without the threat of someone stealing it. More expensive alarm systems can include: • Remote control of the vehicle: If the driver does not enter a code before starting, the alarm company is alerted and tracks the vehicle. With this system, the police can shut off the vehicle so the thieves can’t escape. It also allows the owner to call the alarm company and shut off the car in case of a carjacking. • This technology allows the owner to call and have the door opened or the vehicle started anywhere in the world. • It will tell you where you are within 10 feet of your exact location and give you directions on how to get to your destination. Before you buy an alarm system, contact your insurance company. With the right features, you may qualify for a discount. TRaCKinG DEViCEs There are a number of tracking devices on the market. While more expensive than other vehicle protection devices, their extremely high recovery rate makes them a worthwhile investment. Devices currently available in Canada include: Lojack http://www.lojack.com/ OnStar http://www.onstar.com/canada_english/jsp/index.jsp (On selected 2009 models, OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown will allow advisors working with law enforcement services to send a signal to limit fuel flow to the engine, gradually slowing down the stolen vehicle and protecting innocent bystanders and police from potential injuries resulting from a dangerous high speed pursuit.) Boomerang Tracking http://www.boomerangtracking.com/index.aspx?lang=EN-CA Networkcar http://www.networkcar.com/networkcar/pub/main HELpinG poLiCE RECoVER yoUR sToLEn VEHiCLE 1. Don’t keep your vehicle ownership, identification, or credit cards in your car. Keep them in your possession. If you loan your vehicle to anyone, give them a photocopy of the vehicle registration to carry with them while using your vehicle. 2. Hide your business cards or address stickers with your name in places such as under the hood of your car and under the floor mats or seats. Also drop them in window channels inside the doors. Another option is etching your VIN number on one or more windows. 3. If you have a tracking device installed in your vehicle, be sure to keep contact information in your possession. The sooner your vehicle can be located, the better the chances of it being recovered intact. 4. Be sure to call 911 and report your car stolen as soon as possible. Also, be willing to assist in prosecution.
Crime Reduction Canada wishes to acknowledge the sponsorship of
www.IDTjustice.com Without their generous sponsorship, the Crime Reduction Canada web site would be not be possible.
This document was prepared as a public service by Crime Reduction Canada.
www.CrimeReductionCanada.com
