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Category: GM Service Edmonton

Protect your vehicle from theft.

Written by Paul Hrynew

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Tips for protecting your vehicle from being broken into.

Following some simple tips can reduce the chance of your vehicle being broken into and/or stolen. Most vehicle break and enter crimes are opportunistic and possibly preventable. Never leave ANYTHING inside your vehicle.

1. Park Safely - Park in well-lite open areas and don't use a dark covered or underground parkade. A shopping mall parade is a prime location for auto thieves, use a well-populated area. Always use a locked garage if you have one and also lock your vehicle when its parked inside of it.

2. Remove anything of value - Thieves will break into your vehicle for the $2.00 worth of change in your console or cup holder. Ensure nothing is visible inside your vehicle like cigarettes, lighters, clothing, CD's, sunglasses, etc. Radar detectors, GPS systems, and XM radios are a thieves favorite. Many aftermarket stereo's have removable face plates, remove it and take it with your or lock it in the trunk.

3. Lock your vehicle - Make sure all windows, vents, and the sunroof is closed.

4. Get an alarm installed - Most alarm systems when armed have a visible flashing light indicating that the vehicle has an alarm. The flashing light will deter most thieves. Make sure the alarm isn't set too sensitive causing it to alarm when a big truck drives by or in a storm. A system that has too many false alarms might get ignored when the vehicle is actually getting broke into.

Tips for protecting your vehicle from being stolen. 

1. Follow all of the above tips regarding break and entry.

2. Never leave your vehicle running - In the winter months some people will start their vehicle with a second key and lock the doors to warm up, thieves watch for this to happen and can have your car in seconds. Vehicles get stolen from gas stations as the person is paying for the fuel inside. Automatic car starters are not a problem as the system is designed to shut the vehicle off if theft is attempted.

3. Use a visible steering wheel locking device (e.g. The Club) - In many cases a thief seeing such an item won't consider stealing your vehicle and move on to the next vehicle.

4. No spare keys - Never leave a hidden second or spare key in or around your vehicle. Thieves look for a spare key and they know all the hiding spots. If necessary keep a spare key in your wallet or purse.

Anti-theft licence plate screws.

Each year there is between 3,000 to 4,000 licence plates stolen in Edmonton.

Anti-theft licence plate screws are available at all Edmonton Police Stations and Lakewood Chevrolet's service department. These screws are installed with a normal flat head screw driver but require a specialized removal tool that is only available at the police stations and Lakewood Chevrolet.

Thieves disguise a stolen vehicle with a plate stolen from a similar type/color of vehicle. The vehicle will go undetected as stolen until the owner of the plate notices it missing and files a report to police.

Criminals use stolen vehicles to commit bigger crimes and many times they will steal a licence plate first. If a witness gets a plate number, it wont connect the criminal to the scene of the crime.

By following some straightforward advise, taking a couple extra minutes after you park, you can reduce the chance of a crime being committed to your vehicle.