Center for the Administration of Justice

Center for the Administration of Justice
Florida International University
Modesto A. Maidique Campus
MARC 330
11200 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL 33199
Tel: (305)348-5952
Fax: (305)348-4700
Email: caj@fiu.edu

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Home › Hispanic Crime Prevention Program › Crimes Against Persons › Auto Theft

Auto Theft

How to Prevent Motor Vehicle Theft

When you park your car, close the windows, lock the doors and take the key with you.
If you must leave a key with a parking attendant, leave only your vehicle's ignition key.
Install and use anti-theft devices, whether an alarm or a protective device like a club or a collar. Be sure to activate the device every time you leave your vehicle.
Park only in well-lighted areas near other vehicles.
Keep valuables out of sight, preferably locked away in the trunk.
Don't hide a spare key in a magnetic key box; thieves know all the hiding places.
At home, if possible, put your car away in a locked garage, or at least parked in the driveway.
If you have two cars and one of them is easy to break into, then park it in your driveway so it's blocked by the other car.
When you park your car, turn the front wheels to the left or right and put the emergency brake on. This locks the wheels, making it difficult for a thief to tow your car.

Source: Originally developed by the from Burlington Police Crime Prevention Files