DON'T MAKE IT EASY

FOR THIEVES TO STEAL YOUR WHEELS

Jack's father finally let him take the family's new car to school one beautiful spring day. Jack showed off to all his friends - and anyone who would listen - until classes started. The keys were uncomfortable in his jeans, so he left them in his locker. When he went back after lunch, the keys were gone. So was the car.

Because her mother knew Lisa was a good driver, she let her pick up some friends and drive to the mall for a day of shopping. Lisa was so busy talking about last night's dance that she forgot to lock all the car doors. When she came back several hours later, the car's tape deck and her friends' jackets (they didn't want to drag them around the mall) were gone.

Charlie usually hopped on his new bike when school was out and rode to his part- time job at a fast food restaurant. One evening after work, some friends stopped by and asked him to go out with them. So he left the bike at the restaurant, figuring he would pick it up first thing in the morning. But the next morning, no bike!

Jack, Lisa, and Charlie all became victims of a crime that gets to be a bigger problem every year - vehicle theft.

Over 1 million cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and trailers are stolen every year.

There were over 1.2 million thefts of contents and almost 1.3 million thefts of accessories from motor vehicles in 1983.

The recovery rate for stolen vehicles was down to 54% in the early 1980's compared to 90% in the 1960's.

TAKE THESE STEPS
TO PROTECT ANY VEHICLE

Park in the best-lighted area possible. Avoid leaving your car, truck, or motorcycle in unattended parking lots for long periods of time.

Keep everything of value in the trunk. If you do leave packages in the car, make sure they're out of sight.

Keep your keys in your pocket or purse, not in your school locker. Never put an identification tag on your key ring. If your keys are lost or stolen, it could help a thief locate your car or burglarize your home.

Lock it and pocket the key whether you leave for a minute or several hours. Make sure the windows are closed and the trunk is locked.

Don't leave important identification papers (like the registration) or credit cards in the glove compartment.

If you have to leave a key with a parking lot attendant, leave only the ignition key.

WHAT'S A VIN?

Since 1969, the federal government has required manufacturers to engrave a unique number, the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), on all passenger cars in one visible and several hidden locations. One VIN is engraved on a metal plate on the dashboard near the windshield. When a car is reported stolen, police send its VIN to the FBI’s computerized National Crime Information Center.

Make sure your car's VIN and a complete description are recorded and kept in a safe place at home.

When you are buying a new or used car, check the VIN plate and make sure it matches the VIN on the ownership papers.

SPECIAL TIPS TO PROTECT
BICYCLES, MOTORCYCLES, AND TRAIL BIKES

Mark it with an Operation Identification number recommended by your local law enforcement agency.

Park it out of sight in a garage or basement or use a cover.

Always lock your bicycle with a case-hardened chain or cable and lock, winding the cable through the frame and both wheels and then around a fixed object.

Watch out for key numbers. Some motorcycle manufacturers stamp the key number on the lock. With this number, anyone can go to a key maker and have a key cut that will fit perfectly. Many key makers do ask for identification, but don't take any chances. Write down your key number and then file it off the lock.

Use the fork lock found on most street motorcycles. For extra protection, invest in a heavy U-shaped lock made of extremely hard steel that cannot be hack-sawed or a case-hardened chain and sturdy padlock.

TRUCKS
AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

Many specialized vehicles don't have VINs and should be marked with an identification number, such as a driver's license.

Lock up all easy-to-carry items like outboard motors and camping gear before leaving your vehicle.

Use secured "toppers" or tool boxes. Don't assume a thief can't lift a box because it's heavy.

WHAT TO DO
IF IT HAPPENS TO YOU...

If your car, truck, or bike is stolen or tampered with, report it to the police or sheriff's office immediately. Stolen vehicles are often used in other crimes. Quick action can not only help recover your vehicle, but may also prevent its use for illegal purposes.

HOW TO AVOID
BUYING A STOLEN VEHICLE

Look for the VIN and compare it to the VIN on the ownership documents.

Ask the seller about the vehicle's history and past financing and insurance. Check this information out with the bank or insurance company.

Be wary when purchasing used parts for auto repairs. A price that sounds too good to be true might mean that you're indirectly encouraging theft by buying from a "chop shop" - a place that purchases stolen cars and dismantles them in order to sell the parts.

TAKE ACTION TODAY!

Keep an eye out for abandoned vehicles and report them to the police or sheriff's office.

Interview someone in your school who is a "wheels" victim.

Interview law enforcement officers responsible for investigating auto theft. Ask what kinds of vehicles, makes of cars, and locations are vulnerable to theft. Write it up for the community or school newspaper.

Make sure the VIN is engraved in several locations on your car, such as the door frame or under the hood and trunk lids.

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