Vehicle theft prevention tips

The Layered Approach" to Protection Professional thieves can steal any car, but make them work for yours. To prevent thefts, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) recommends "Layered Protection." The more layers of protection on your vehicle, the more difficult it is to steal. The number of layers your vehicle needs varies depending on your vehicle and geographic location. Your budget and personal preferences should determine which anti-theft device is best for you.

Layer 1 — 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.

You should always secure your vehicle, even if parking for brief periods by :

• Removing your keys from the ignition
• Locking your doors
• Closing all your windows
• Park your vehicle in a secure parking facility (garage, private/public parking lot).
• Please ensure that the parking area is well lit.

Layer 2 — Warning Device

The second layer of protection is a visible or audible device that alerts thieves that your vehicle is protected. Popular second layer devices include :

• Install burglar-alarm-system for better security.
• Use securing devices like steering lock, clutch lock, break lock, wheel lock, etc.
• Theft deterrent decals
• Identification markers in or on vehicle
• Etch the registration number of your car windscreens and window glasses.
• Laminated glass

Layer 3 — Immobilizing Device

The third layer of protection is a device that 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 :

• Double-check all doors, including the boot and ensure that they are properly locked.
• Use detachable music systems & take away control panel of your music system while leaving the car for a long time.
• Fuse cut-offs
• Kill switches
• Starter, ignition and fuel disablement

Passive and Active Anti-Theft Systems :

Passive and active anti-theft devices are the two options available when considering an anti-theft system :

• Passive devices automatically arm themselves when the vehicle is turned off, the ignition key removed, or a door is shut. No additional action is required.
• Active devices require some independent physical action before they are set, such as pushing a button, or placing a "lock" over a vehicle component part. This physical action must be repeated every time the anti-theft device is set or it will not function.

  (Courtesy : Maharashtra Police Website)