How to prevent your car from theft??

Car Theft & Car Security - Preventing Vehicle Theft

Many people hook on a steering wheel lock, believing this is the best way to protect their older car. But guess what? These steering wheel type locks, i.e "The Club" are not as strong as you might think! They can be removed in seconds with a simple technique.

Some modern vehicle manufacturers, such as, Mercedes-Benz, are incorporating a technology using a key with an encoded infrared beam that communicates with the car's computer. If the codes match, the car can be started. 

One of the best car theft prevention devices on the market is the passive immobilizer , now standard equipment on 98% of General Motors' light duty vehicles and nearly all of the new Fords. These immobilizers use a key that contains a computer chip which communicates with the car's engine. Without the proper key, the only way to steal the car is to tow it away.

Advances in car security technology is making car theft ever more technical, wireless or infrared transmitter-equipped computers loaded with specialized software can open and start many modern cars. Of course, being that the large majority of cars on our roads were models released before this technology became factory-standard, many car thieves only need to equip themselves with a slim-jim and a screw-driver.

Vehicle theft is one of the most traumatic experiences you can face, but there are ways to prevent you from being a victim of this crime. Some key steps you can take to protect yourself are:

SECURE YOUR VEHICLE

• Lock your vehicle doors, and any additional car theft prevention locks if you are leaving you car for a period of time. 
• Never leave your vehicle's engine running, even if you will only be away for a minute. Vehicles are commonly stolen at convenience stores, petrol stations, ATMs and outside house compounds when owners leave the vehicle engine running to run errands or to unlock house gates. 
• Never leave the vehicle keys inside the vehicle unattended. 
• Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. However, if you have to, place valuables out of sight in the boot. Ensure that no one sees you placing valuables in the boot. 
• Ensure your vehicle windows are properly closed up. Check all the doors are locked 

PARKING

• Park in well-lit areas - vehicle theft usually occurs at night under the cover of darkness. 
• Park in attended lots - vehicle thieves do not like witnesses ans prefer unattended parking lots. 
• Park your vehicle in the compound of your house rather than outside. Lock both your vehicle and the gate for improved security. 

SECURITY

Your budget and personal preferences should determine how many layers of protection and which anti-theft devices are best for you.
Professional thieves are able to steal any vehicle. However, you can make it difficult for them to steal your vehicle. The more layers of protection on your vehicle, the more difficult it is to steal.

More often than not, it's not the actual car the thieves are targeting, it's the valuables inside. This leaves two options for protecting the valuables inside your car: Alarms and Physical Security. By combining simple security systems and measures, you can take your car off the menu for your average car thief - and you'll learn how below:-

General available anti-theft devices are:

• Engine immobilizers 
• Better door and ignition locks 
• Window etching 
• Car alarms 
• Security patterned or coded keys 
• Tracking devices 
• Steering wheel / gear / brake pedal locks 
• Radio / CD players with security code or removable face plates.

Special thanks for Lockpick Library & insuranceinfo provide these useful tips.