One muggy night when I was finished work at a downtown bar, I approached my car after 9 hours of serving drinks and noticed handprints on the driver side window. It was about 3 am, and I'd washed and waxed it just before leaving earlier that day. These prints weren't there when I parked. Was someone looking inside my car for something to steal?
Probably. I got lucky that time and suffered only a few grubby fingerprints.
Despite advancements in automotive protection, vehicle theft rates aren't decreasing. One officer I spoke to, Sergeant Lamour, told me that "theft rates have remained stable for the past few years. Chrysler products are still among the most commonly stolen, making up nearly half of all thefts in certain cities."
He also told me that if you become a victim of a vehicle related crime, one of two things is likely to happen. The "smash and grab" is one outcome, and the second is the theft of your vehicle itself.
Being likely one of the biggest investments you'll ever make means it's important to make sure it's protected. So, let's take a look at how to ensure your car stays where you left it, and that everything inside it stays intact.
IMMOBILIZATION:
Many carmakers offer an engine immobilizer as standard equipment. Insurance companies often offer discounts if you have one installed, perhaps as part of an aftermarket security system. They prevent your engine from starting by deactivating the cars ignition or fuel system until the security system is disarmed through a remote or microchip in the key. Without your key or remote, a would-be thief trying to take your vehicle will get nowhere fast, with the engine electronically crippled and the car useless.
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Probably. I got lucky that time and suffered only a few grubby fingerprints.
Despite advancements in automotive protection, vehicle theft rates aren't decreasing. One officer I spoke to, Sergeant Lamour, told me that "theft rates have remained stable for the past few years. Chrysler products are still among the most commonly stolen, making up nearly half of all thefts in certain cities."
He also told me that if you become a victim of a vehicle related crime, one of two things is likely to happen. The "smash and grab" is one outcome, and the second is the theft of your vehicle itself.
Being likely one of the biggest investments you'll ever make means it's important to make sure it's protected. So, let's take a look at how to ensure your car stays where you left it, and that everything inside it stays intact.
IMMOBILIZATION:
Many carmakers offer an engine immobilizer as standard equipment. Insurance companies often offer discounts if you have one installed, perhaps as part of an aftermarket security system. They prevent your engine from starting by deactivating the cars ignition or fuel system until the security system is disarmed through a remote or microchip in the key. Without your key or remote, a would-be thief trying to take your vehicle will get nowhere fast, with the engine electronically crippled and the car useless.
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