Cincinnati Police
District 2
Crime Prevention
Preventing Car Theft
The following
information is provided for informational services only.
A vehicle is stolen every 19 seconds in the United
States and in 1997, over 1,500,000 vehicles were stolen.
Stolen cars, vans, trucks and motorcycles cause economic hardship for victims, increase
everyone's insurance premiums, and may be used to commit other, violent crimes.
Everyday, cars and trucks are stolen from malls, streets, driveways, parking lots and
garages, and car dealerships. Vehicle theft can happen anyplace and at anytime.
A few common sense steps can help you avoid being a victim of the nations fastest growing
property crime.
- Never leave your car running unattended.
- Never leave your keys in the car or ignition.
- Always roll up your windows and lock the car, even if it is in front
of your home.
- Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is
locked this is the number one reason cars are broken into. Put them in the trunk
out of sight.
- Always park in busy, well-lighted areas.
- Install a mechanical device that locks to the steering wheel, column,
or brake to prevent the wheel from being turned more than a few degrees. Commonly called
clubs, collars or J-bars, these devices can act as a deterrent if installed properly.
- Investigate the purchase of a auto security system if you live in a
high-theft area or drive a theft-prone vehicle.
- Always leave just the ignition key with the attendant, if you park in
a commercial garage or lot. Make sure no identifying information is attached. Do the same
when you take your car for repairs.
- Carry your registration and insurance card with you. Don't leave
personal identification documents or credit cards in your vehicle.
- Copy your license plate and vehicle identification (VIN) numbers on a
card and keep them with your driver's license. If your vehicle is stolen, police will need
this information promptly.
Current time 
Updated on December 02, 1999
Created on December 02, 1999