The Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council recommends a system of layered security in protecting your vehicle from being stolen. The "layered approach" involves taking several safety precaustions:
- Always lock your vehicle and take the keys. Over 25% of all stolen vehicles had the keys left in the vehicle.
- Don't hide spare keys in or under the vehicle. The can be easily found.
- Never leave the registration or insurance cards in the vehicle. Thieves will be able to provide legitimate documentation when stopped by the police.
- Always park in well-lighted areas and be familiar with your surroundings. Most vehicles are stolen at night.
- Keep all valuables and Packages out of sight. Leaving valuables in plain view provides a tempting target for car thieves.
- Use an anti-theft device. The use of devices such as a steering wheel lock, electronic alarm, an igintion kill swith, gas cap lock, window VIN etching and a vehicle tracking device all deter vehicle theft.
- Resister your vehicle in the Watch Your Car program. The program will protect your vehicle while your asleep between the hours of 1am and 5am -- when most vehicle thefts occur.
Take the survey to find out your level of risk for vehicle theft.
