Don't Become an Auto Theft Statistic

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• Have a VICC Approved Imobilizer installed in your vehicle, or purchase a vehicle with a VICC approved factory installed system.
• Don't leave your car unlocked.
• Don't leave your car (locked or unlocked) with the key in the ignition.
• Ask local police and motorists' associations for advice on which cars are most difficult for thieves to steal.
• When you have the option, park your car in well-lit areas, preferably where there are lots of people.
• When you park your car at home, ask your neighbours to keep an eye on it, and do the same for them.
• Know the pedigree of any second-hand parts you buy; if the price is too good to be true, chances are they're stolen.
• Mark some of the more expensive parts on your car in an inconspicuous place with an engraving tool, using your car's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). On metal parts, cover the number with rust-inhibitor. Glass etching is a good deterrent. Thieves don't like cars with parts that can be traced.
• If you have an alarm on your vehicle, use it!
• Try to avoid leaving your keys with others; keys can be stolen or copied. If you must leave a spare key on the outside of your car, be sure that it is well hidden.
• Make your views known to car manufacturers and legislators: the theft-resistance of most cars could be improved at very little cost at the manufacturing stage.
• If your insurance company doesn't have a picture of your car, take one yourself and keep it in a safe place; it will make the job easier for police if your car is stolen.
• Lobby your local member of your provincial legislature for stricter rules for registering vehicles and tracking the disposition of cars that are scrapped. The VIN plates of junked vehicles too often find their way onto stolen cars, thus "legitimizing" them in official records.
  

Preventive measures do work and it is everyone's responsibility to do their part. Studies have shown that theft-deterrent systems do reduce the occurrence of theft of some vehicles.