Preventing Auto Theft

Law enforcement agencies have helped bring auto theft down about 5 percent nationally.

However, the first line of defense against vehicle theft is the owner. National Insurance Crime Bureau, NICB, recommends a layered approach to protecting vehicles.

There are four layers of protection to consider:

1. Common sense: Removing the keys and locking the doors
2. Visible and audible devices: Steering wheel locks or alarms
3. Immobilizing devices: Smart keys or kill switches
4. Tracking devices

The number of layers a vehicle needs depends on the vehicle and the geographic location. Budget and personal preference should also determine which anti-theft device to choose.