Car Security Tips From the Pros

Chop shops are a booming business today. Vehicles are constantly being stolen, the professionals carrying out the thefts taking the cars to be stripped down and sold for parts. Auto theft isn't about joyrides anymore and stealing cars is a lucrative crime. The owners of every make and model are at risk, not just those owning high-end luxury cars or fancy sports models. Police are working on the problem and here's some of things you can do to protect your car from being stolen.

The first anti-theft measure involves the driver and not the vehicle itself. Experts suggest that, while having a spare key for your car is always a good idea, hiding an extra key somewhere on the vehicle isn't the best thing to do. There are several versions of magnetic lockboxes on the market where spare keys can be attached on the undercarriage of the vehicle or hidden somewhere in a garage, but those who are in the know say hiding keys is asking for trouble and suggest the wise car owner keep extra car keys in his or her wallet.

It sounds simple but the best advice is to lock the doors and roll up all the windows every single time you leave your vehicle. Some statistics have shown that a lot of vehicles are stolen when someone leaves their car running for a minute while they run into the store. This increases the chance of your car being stolen because the thief was given a perfect opportunity. It is also a good idea to avoid parking in unlit areas or near fences or other objects that could hide a thief as they break in. Installing some motion sensitive lights for the driveway is another great way to deter thieves.

Some of the more bold thieves will follow you into a parking garage and lurk until you have left your vehicle alone. Experts have suggested that after you pass through the entrance gate that you stop until the gate has closed behind you. This will deter even some of the most diligent thieves.

Some smaller communities across the U.S. have started auto theft programs to help decrease crime. One of these programs puts a special sticker on your car that allows police to stop and question the driver of the car during the early morning hours, the most common time for auto thefts. I have also seen some more creative theft deterrents. Some people engrave their driver's license number on their stereo equipment so that if it is stolen, solving the crime and recovering any lost goods is much easier.

Auto theft can cost a small fortune in repairs to your vehicle and can also be inconvenient, as you have to find another method of transportation while police try to track down your car and find it. You'll also have to wait for the garage to inspect the car and carry out repairs, and haggle with insurance companies about the claim. Prevention is best, and making sure your car is as safe as possible will help from having it stolen in the first place.