Preventing Auto Theft

     Law enforcement agencies have helped bring auto theft down about 5 percent nationally.

     However, the first line of defense against vehicle theft is the owner. National Insurance Crime Bureau, NICB, recommends a layered approach to protecting vehicles.

     There are four layers of protection to consider:
                 
                 1.  common sense - removing the keys and locking the doors;
                 2.  visible and audible devices - steering wheel locks or alarms;
                3.   immobilizing devices - smart keys or kill switches; and
                4.   tracking devices.

     The number of layers a vehicle needs depends on the vehicle and the geographic location.  Budget and personal preference should also determine which anti theft device to choose.