Auto Theft Prevention 

Each year in the United States more than a million vehicles are stolen which is roughly about one vehicle every 30 seconds.

Car thieves, like home burglars, generally have an easy time with their crime. Their success is made even easier by car owners who obligingly leave doors unlocked (four out of five cases of auto theft) or who leave keys in the ignition (one out of five cases).

	Never leave your keys in an unattended car, even while running a quick errand, and always lock your car and make sure you have your keys.
	Potential car thieves can often note identification numbers printed on ignition keys and can obtain duplicates through car dealers by presenting the key number, posing as the car's owner. Car dealers or locksmiths can punch out these numbers from your keys, eliminating the problem. Before removing the key numbers from the keys make sure you record these numbers in a safe place in case you ever need duplicates.
	Never attach any type of tag with your name and address to a key ring. If your keys are lost or stolen, the tag will lead the thief directly to your home. While you're at it, leave only the ignition key with a parking attendant (valet). A dishonest parking lot attendant may have house keys duplicated and sell them, along with your name and address, for a tidy profit.
	Avoid leaving an auto unattended in public parking lots for an extended period of time. A car is five times more likely to be stolen from an unattended lot than from the street or an attended lot.
	At night, park in well-lighted areas with pedestrian traffic. Auto thieves don't like working in spots where they are clearly visible and area's well lit.

	With an electric engraver, etch your operator's license number on CD players, tape decks, speakers and similar items. Consider engraving the same number in several places under the hood, on car doors, trunk lid or other conspicuous places so that a positive identification can be made of your vehicle if it is recovered after theft.
	Consider the purchase and installation of security devices, such as: A hidden ignition switch or "kill switch" which prevents electrical current from reaching the autos coil. A steering wheel lock. An alarm device which will activate a siren, horn or lights or all of these.
	When you park the car, remove the radio/face plate or any other valuable possessions from the seat. These items will tempt a thief and always should be locked in the trunk.

330-941-3527

  ** Please Report all suspicious activity to the YSU Police Department **