How would you avoid turning into a victim of a automobile burglar? We reviewed statistics and tips from the experts.
First of all, the good thing: Thievery in the year 2008 was down 12.7 percent from the last year and is at its lowest level since 1978.
Next, the negative news: Thieves still stole nearly a million vehicles in 2008, costing consumers $6.4 billion. What’s even worse, burglars who discover personal information left in the car are actually working with it for identity theft, a skyrocketing crime with potentially disastrous outcomes. For this reason, specialists advise never leaving postal mail or private information, including your date of birth, driving license number or social security number, in your car.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) advises a “layered strategy” to protecting your automobile. The more layers you have got, the better secured your car will be.
Layer #1: Common Sense
These are generally no-brainer tips that you could expect everybody to do, but automobile burglars make a excellent industry because of people’s negligence – or laziness. Constantly implement the following, even when parking for a quick time period:
1. Remove your car keys from the ignition
2. Before leaving the car close all windows, when out lock the doors.
3. Make sure you park your car in a light area, if possible.
Layer #2: Alarm system or Signal System
These types of visual or audible products and markers alert robbers that your vehicle is protected. Even though they can’t always prevent break-ins, their existence usually hold them back it. For example:
1. Brake pedal locks
2. Steering wheel locks
3. Tire locks/tire deflators
Layer #3: Immobilizing Systems
These products prevent thieves from skipping your ignition and hot-wiring the car. Many electronic devices work together with computer chips inside the ignition key. Many other systems restrict the flow of electricity or gasoline to the engine until finally a secret switch or press button is activated. Well known 3rd-layer systems include:
1. Fuse cut-offs
2. Kill switches
Layer # 4: Tracking Units
The last layer of security is a following device that may possibly emit a location transmission to a monitoring station or authorities as soon as the car is documented stolen. Vehicles recovered by using this method are usually found quicker and with less damage. Several devices combine GPS and wireless technologies allowing remote vehicle tracking: If for example the car is relocated, the system will notify the owner plus the automobile can be tracked via personal computer. This kind of car recovery systems are:
1. Mercedes-Benz TeleAid – One year free trial, then $240/year to renew
2. Mobile IQ (by AirIQ) – Could be installed alongside either factory or aftermarket alarm systems. $499.99 for the product, plus $100 for installation (typically)
3. Toyota Safety Connect – A one-year, free trial is included on select 2010 Toyota and Lexus models. The renewal fee is $139.95.
These kinds of tracking products are the best method of security cash can get. LoJack, for instance, has got an business-leading recuperation rate of 90 percent.
Despite the fact that most of those devices will cost quite a few dollars, most auto insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles pre-loaded with specific robbery deterrents or car tracking devices; consult with them prior to investing in one. Although, there is no replacement for vigilance. There are plenty of guys around, just watching and expecting you to fall.
