If you have recently purchased a used luxury car in Plano, TX, you surely want to do everything you can to keep it safe and out of harms way. Making your car less attractive to car thieves is something every vehicle owner should be aware of, regardless of the make and model of the car. Among the most stolen vehicles according to Bankrate are Honda Accords, Toyota Camrys, Jeep Cherokees, and Dodge Caravans.
However, the top ten vehicles stolen in the United States between 2010-2012 were all trucks and SUVs, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute. Unfortunately, determining what vehicle is most popular among thieves is not as easy as some may think. Because of this, it is important all car owners take proper measures to ensure their car is less attractive to thieves.
Here are 20 important tips to help you protect your vehicle from Texas car thieves:
- Make sure your vehicle is locked at all times, including when you are driving
- Never leave your car running and unattended, even on cold mornings
- If you need to warm your car up in the morning, make sure it is locked and use a spare key to unlock it when you are ready
- Never leave your keys in your car when parked
- Make sure all your windows and the sunroof are closed when parked
- Never leave valuables inside your vehicle where they are visible to passersby
- Do not leave your vehicle title in the car
- Hide your vehicle registration in a secret location in your car that only you know about
- Avoid driving through high crime areas, even if the alternate route takes longer
- Install an anti-theft system in your car
- Be cautious at night and park your car in a well-lit area if possible
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially in garages, parking lots, and gas stations
- Have your vehicle’s VIN number etched on each of the windows
- When parking on an incline, leave your vehicle in park or in gear and make sure the wheels are turned toward the curb. This will make it harder for thieves to tow your car
- Do not resist if confronted by a carjacker
- Install a vehicle immobilizer system
- Think about installing a GPS tracking system
- Use common sense. Remember, it is always better to walk a few extra steps than to park somewhere you feel unsafe
- Do not leave a spare key near your vehicle
- Know the year, make model, and color of your car and the license plate number
The above tips are designed to help you keep your vehicle safe and out of the reach of car thieves. If your car is stolen, do your best to provide the police with as much detail as possible, both about your car and the circumstances of its theft.