A Stolen Car is No Fun!

Finding a hidden key

There are magnetic key holders that you can attach to your vehicle 's underside out of plain sight. However, thieves are often familiar with these hiding places. Instead of leaving a spare key in the car, leave it at home or with a trusted friend or family member.

Hot-wiring

This is done when the ignition is bypassed so that the car does not need a key to power on. Most newer car models have security measures in place to prevent this, but if you drive an older car, consider investing in an immobilizer system that will prevent the ignition from being turned without the key.

Towing

This method is uncommon but unfortunately, it is easier to get away with. A thief might pose as a parking officer who is about to tow away your car on a parking violation. To prevent this when parking at a curb, point your wheels toward the curb so the vehicle cannot roll away easily.

Robbery/Carjacking

This is also a rare occurrence but probably the most frightening. When a criminal confronts you demanding your car keys and threatening to harm you, surrender the car keys. To help prevent this, always lock your doors right when you enter the car, and at a stop, make sure your windows are not open enough for anyone 's hands to get through (though it is better to simply keep them shut). In case of the inevitable, always keep your wallet and a phone on your person in case the thief takes off with the car.

Car Cloning

This is usually done by criminals who need a 'clean ' car to carry out other illegal activities, or if they want to sell a stolen car and make it look like it is legally registered. The number plates are switched out with a nearly identical vehicle, so that the criminal 's car appears to be registered with the innocent party. Although this does not require actually stealing an entire car, it can bring about plenty of legal trouble. There are anti-theft plate kits on the market that can make it more difficult for thieves to steal your number plates.

Overall, most car thieves will prey on easier targets, so the key to prevention is always keeping your guard up, no matter how familiar you are with your environment. A vehicle with the keys in the ignition, with an open window, or with valuables in plain sight is perceived as an opportunity to thieves. With all of the above methods, thieves are operating with time working against them. The harder the task, the less likely they are to carry it out. These prevention methods can help