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PREVENT AUTO THEFT

To a thief, there's nothing like a car. It's selfpropelled and fully equipped for a fast getaway. The car and most especially its components, are items in steady demand.

The owner or authorized driver of a car should not leave the vehicle unattended without locking the ignition and removing the key. A significant number of automobiles are stolen because drivers fail to remove ignition keys.

ESTABLISH GROUND RULES
All members of the family should know how to protect the car against theft. Licenses, registration cards or other identifying papers that a thief could misuse should never be left in the car. Keys should be carefully guarded. If the keys have punch-out numbers these should be removed and kept at home for reference in case of loss.

HOW TO GIVE A THIEF A HARD TIME

• Park in a well-lighted area
• Close all windows, lock all doors
• Activate any theft deterrent device you may have
• Put packages or valuable out of sight: Tape and cassette decks and other expensive items in full view invite theft.
• Do not keep license, registration or title in car. If left in car, thieves can use these documents to sell your car if stolen, or to impersonate you when they are challenged by police. Owners who indiscriminately leave keys, registrations and other identifiable material in their vehicles may return to their residence only to find that they are the victims of a burglary.
• If you have a garage, use it. Lock both the vehicle and the garage.

PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION PAY

SIdentification of stolen vehicles after they have been recovered continues to plague car owners, police and auto insurers.

Etch the Vehicle Registration Number in several hard-to-find spots, using an engraving tool.

If your car is stolen, the police will need specific information to identify the car, parts and accessories. Take the time to record detailed information. If a car thief replaces your license plates, alters the vehicle identification number or repaints the car, other points of identificatin will be available.

JOIN THE POLICE DEPARTMENTS ANTI-AUTO THEFT PROGRAMS

AUTO THEFT SECURITY DEVICES

In order to secure your car several devices may be installed to deter or prevent theft of the car or any of its parts or contents. Anti-theft devices, expensive or not, are going to deter the inexperienced theft. The installation of anti-theft devices would provide obstacles to even the experienced thief by increasing the thieft's exposure to arrest.

• IGNITION CUT-OFF: A key-operated or hidden manual switch that interrupts the power supply from the battery to the ignition.
• FUEL CUT-OFF: Integrated into the fuel line, this device prevents the flow of gasoline once the fuel in the gas line is used. Only a special key deactivates the cut-off.
• IGNITION COLUMN GUARD: This security device can provide protection to the ignition starting system. The device fits around the steering column and over the ignition starting system.
• DOOR LOCKS: Visible inside door lock buttons should be smooth and tapered.
• ANTI-THEFT STEERING WHEEL LOCK: Locks on and prevents steering wheel from turning. Its high visibility deters theft.
• TRUNK LOCK: As an auxiliary or secondary locking device, a heavy duty chain lock may be installed inside the trunk and is key-operated.

CAR ALARMS

There are several alarm systems that will serve to deter or discourage the car thief, and alert others of forced entry into the car.

:

• IF YOUR CAR ALARM SHOULD GO OFF
• Observe behavior around your car;
• Take description, license plate numbers, etc.;
• If suspicious person, call 100;
• DO NOT TAKE ACTION . . . your safety is our first concern.

SIREN: The sounding device, used in lieu of the horn, is installed in the engine compartment and should have an audible range of at least 300 feet.

IF YOUR CAR DOES GET STOLEN

• Report theft to police.

NOTE: False reporting of vehicle theft is a crime and can be punishable by a fine or imprisonment.

PERSONAL SAFETY
Proper maintenance of your vehicle will prevent routine breakdowns thereby avoiding vulnerable sftuations.

Check the following items on a routine basis:

• Tire pressure and wear;
• Oil and brake fluid levels;
• Battery fluid,,
• Radiator water level; The following items should be in your vehicle at all times for emergency situations:
• Screwdriver;
• Pliers;
• Jack/Spare tire;
• Battery jumper cables and procedure for boosting;
• Auto insurance card;
• First Aid Kit and Blanket;