Top 10 cities with the highest vehicle theft rates (2007):
1. Modesto, California
2. Las Vegas/Paradise, Nevada
3. San Diego/Carlsbad/San Marcos, California
4. Stockton, California
5. San Francisco/Oakland/Fremont, California
6. Laredo, Texas
7. Albuquerque, New Mexico
8. Phoenix/Mesa/Scottsdale, Arizona
9. Yakima, Washington
10.Tucson, Arizona
Preliminary 2007 crime data released by the FBI in January contain some positive news on the vehicle theft front. Not only is 2007 on track to be the fourth consecutive year of declining vehicle thefts, but if the preliminary figure of -7.4 percent holds, it will be the largest single year percent drop in thefts since 1999 and it will contribute to the overall 11 percent reduction in vehicle thefts, nationally, since 2000.
But if it's your vehicle that is stolen, that's all that matters. To best protect your car from thieves, NICB recommends a four-step "layered approach":
Common Sense
An unlocked vehicle with a key in the ignition is an open invitation to any thief, regardless of which anti-theft device you use. The common sense approach to protection is the simplest and most cost-effective way to thwart would-be thieves. Secure your vehicle even if parking for brief periods. You should always:
-- Remove your keys from the ignition.
-- Lock your doors/close your windows.
-- Park in a well-lit area.
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Warning Device
The second layer of protection is a visible or audible device which alerts thieves that your vehicle is protected. Popular second layer devices include:
-- Audible alarms
-- Steering column collars
-- Steering wheel/brake pedal lock
-- Brake locks
-- Wheel locks
-- Tire locks/tire deflators
-- Theft deterrent decals
-- Identification markers in or on vehicle
-- VIN etching
-- Micro dot marking
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Immobilizing Device
The third layer of protection is a device which prevents thieves from bypassing your ignition and hot-wiring the vehicle. Some electronic devices have computer chips in ignition keys. Other devices inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch or button is activated. Popular third layer devices include:
-- Smart keys
-- Fuse cut-offs
-- Kill switches
-- Starter, ignition, and fuel pump disablers
-- Wireless ignition authentication
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Tracking Device
The final layer of protection is a tracking device that emits a signal to police or a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles. Some systems employ "telematics," which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved, the system will alert the owner, and the vehicle can be tracked via computer.
