Car Theft

“The best car safety device is a rear-view mirror with a cop in it” - Dudley Moore

Today’s gleam of wisdom comes from Consumer Reports, How to prevent car theft.While car thefts in the U.S. continue a five-year trend downwards (2008 was the lowest in 20 years), still nearly one million vehicles are stolen annually.

Here are some tips to discourage car thieves:

1. NEVER leave your car running unattended and NEVER leave the keys in the car when you get out. Why make life easy for car thieves?
2. Lock your car. This will slow a thief down.
3. Keep windows closed when you park. A clothes hanger can reach in through a narrow opening to unlock some doors.
4. Don’t store expensive electronic devices in plain sight. A thief may smash your window and grab the obvious valuables.
5. Park in well-lighted, public place. At home a car will be safer in a garage than in a driveway or at a curb.
6. Use a visual warning device, such as a blinking light, as a deterrent.
   [Personally I hate car alarms and don’t know anyone who responds to them]
7. Smart keys or a fuel cut-off system are standard on many new cars. Thieves won’t steal a car they cannot start.
8. Install a GPS tracking system or OnStar in your car to help police find it.

Bottom Line

The three most stolen vehicles for 2008 were the 1994 Honda Accord, 1995 Honda Civic, and 1989 Toyota Camry. Older cars can be quickly sold for their parts and are easier to steal than newer models with anti-theft technologies.

One day in college my driver-side door refused to open. When a mechanic opened up the door panel he found a shim stuck inside (see picture at top). Someone had tried to steal my car but the shim became jammed in the lock. A lucky break for me.

On the other hand, I've locked my keys in my car at least three times in my life that I recall. Each time a professional locksmith or tow truck driver had no difficulty opening my car in seconds.