Protect
your auto from thieves
The family
vehicle is the second most expensive investment most people make
next to their homes.
While
some progress has been made, auto theft continues to be one of
the nation's most costly property crimes, amounting to approximately
$7.6 billion annually. In the U.S., a car is stolen every 21 seconds,
according to the FBI Uniform Crime Reports.
The sad
part about auto theft is that in the majority of cases, it can
be prevented if the driver would take common sense precautions
and use an anti-theft device. For example, a recent study by the
National Insurance Crime Bureau found that owners of The Club
vehicle anti-theft device are four times less likely to become
a vehicle theft victim than the average motorist.
In an
effort to educate motorists about precautionary measures, the
Community CarWatch Campaign was launched in 1996. CarWatch is
a week-long educational campaign designed to combat vehicle theft.
In its
inaugural year, more than 50 million Americans were alerted to
the vehicle theft problem through placements in more than 200
media outlets across the U.S. More importantly, however, there
was a 25% reduction in auto thefts in the two-month period following
the kick-off of CarWatch Week.
CarWatch
Week focuses on a vehicle theft survey designed by the National
Insurance Crime Bureau. The survey helps motorists to determine
how much protection they need depending on where they live and
what type of car they drive.
Motorists
should complete the survey on the left and compare their total
points to the protection guide on the right. They should also
ask insurance agents which devices can result in discounts on
insurance premiums.
The NICB
recommends a "layered" approach to vehicle security
utilizing a variety of theft prevention precautions and use of
anti-theft devices.
Community
CarWatch is sponsored annually by the NICB, National Fraternal
Order of Police, National Association of TownWatch and Winner
International, maker of The Club vehicle anti-theft device.
Community
CarWatch is one of several campaigns developed to help motorists
protect their investments by National Car Care.
Auto
Theft Survey
LOCATION:
What is your city's population?
More than 250,000 8 pts.
250,000-100,001 6 pts.
100,000-50,001 4 pts.
50,000-10,001 2 pts.
Less than 10,000 0 pts.
STYLE:
What type of vehicle do you drive?
Sports Car 5 pts.
Luxury Car 4 pts.
Utility Vehicle 4 pts.
Sedan 3 pts.
Passenger Van 1 pts.
Station Wagon 0 pts.
AGE:
How old is your vehicle?
0-5 Years 2 pts.
6-9 Years 1 pts.
10+ Years 0 pts.
BONUS:
Add 1 point to your score if you live within 100 miles
from an international border or port.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point
Total:
Location
_____ Style _____ Age _____ Bonus_____ Total:_____
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Protection
Guide
1st
Layer: Common Sense
(0-6 pts):
The common
sense approach to protection is the simplest and most cost-effective
way to thwart would-be thieves. You should always secure your
vehicle, even if parking for brief periods by:
- Taking keys from
the ignition
- Locking all doors
- Closing all windows
- Parking in a well-lit
area
2nd
Layer: Warning Device
(7-10 points)
The second
layer of protection is a visible or audible device which alerts
thieves that your vehicle is protected before they attempt to
steal it. For example, according to a recent study by the NICB,
users of steering wheel locks were four times less likely to become
a vehicle theft victim than the average motorists. Popular second
layer devices include:
- Steering Wheel
Locks
- Car alarms
- Steering column
collars
- Theft-deterrent
decals
3rd
Layer: Immobilizing Device
(11-13 points)
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. Others inhibit the flow
of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch or
button is activated. A third category passively immobilizes the
vehicle by interrupting the starter, ignition or fuel. Popular
third layers include:
- Vehicle Immobilizers
- Electronic Keys
- Fuse Cut-offs
- Starter Disablers
4th
Layer: Tracking Systems
(14-16 points)
The final
layer of protection is a tracking system which emits a signal
to a police or monitoring station when the vehicle is reported
stolen. Tracking systems are very effective in helping recover
stolen vehicles.
Provided
as a public service by National Car Care Council
