There are several factors that determine the risk for car theft, including location, car brand/model, and deterrents. While many of us can’t move to a different city or wouldn’t trade our cars for less susceptible vehicles, there are measures we can take both to make our car more secure and to avoid risky situations. Below you’ll find tips to help you reduce the risk of car theft.

Lock Your Car

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 40% vehicle theft is due to driver error, which means either leaving the car unlocked or leaving its keys inside. Surprising? Yes, but it’s 100% preventable. Next time you step out of your car remember to make sure all the doors are locked, the engine is off, and the keys are with you.

Park Smart

Our vehicles are most vulnerable when left unattended, so it is important to take extra steps when parking at unfamiliar places. Always remember to hide valuables from plain sight and take your purse, bag, cell phone, and other items that might lure someone to break in. In addition, park your car in a well lit area with continuos pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Security Devices

Let’s face it, we’d rather not use these type of gadgets, but as car theft has become more prominent, drivers everywhere are trying to outsmart the bad guys. There are three main types of security devices:

• Audible and visible devices. These are the most common and their main purpose is to discourage theft by flashing lights, emitting loud noises, and locking the wheel or brakes.
• Immobilizing devices. These are usually hidden electronic systems that prevent thieves from starting your car. The most common ones are attached to your car’s electrical or fuel systems and can be engaged with the flip of a switch.
• Recovery systems. If all deterring and security devices still don’t work, some people opt for recovery systems, which monitor your car’s location via GPS or an embedded chip. These are usually installed in the aftermarket, but a growing number of manufacturers are shipping vehicles with these pre-installed.

Additional Information

Car manufacturers have taken extra steps to prevent illegal contraband of car parts, and the NHTSA has put guidelines in place to address some of these problems. By etching your car’s serial number on different parts of your vehicle, like the engine, transmission, hood, and many others, illegal-parts sellers have a harder time finding buyers for them.

To find out more about vehicle theft go the the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration’s website.

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Lamarque Ford is proud to be one of the premier dealerships in New Orleans, LA. Located in Kenner, LA, Lamarque Ford is committed to providing you the best customer service and vehicle service for the life of your vehicle. Whether you’re on the market to purchase, finance, or service a new or used Ford vehicle, you’ve come to the right place.