by Maggie Mae

Created on: October 03, 2008   Last Updated: October 14, 2008

How to not have your car stolen? Ride a bicycle. Just kidding. The world is becoming a scary place lately with the economy in dire straits and the increase in the crime rate. People are searching for ways to make money regardless of who they take it from or how they get it. Here are some simple steps to keeping your car and its contents safe.

1. LOCK YOUR DOOR WITH THE WINDOWS UP ALL OF THE WAY. I can't stress this one enough. I left my vehicle unlocked in my hometown of about 1500 people. Sure enough, the contents of my vehicle were missing the next day. I never thought that someone in my small town would do that. It just goes to show that you can not let your guard down for one minute.

2. HIDE ALL OF YOUR PERSONAL BELONGINGS THAT YOU LEAVE IN THE VEHICLE. This means do not leave your purse, wallet, cell phone, camera, IPOD, Blackberry etc. sitting on the seat where someone can see it. Push it under the seats, preferably in the second row or put them in the trunk if available.

3. PURCHASE ANTI-THEFT DEVICES. There are many anti-theft devices on the market today. I have heard good and bad about some. The key here is to determine what steps you want to go through to protect yourself. Will you remember the combination to a lock? Will you lose your keys to padlocks or "clubs" or lock them in your vehicle accidentally? If you buy a steering wheel "club", will you have the time to attach it? It won't pay you to have these devices if you fail to use them. If you are committed to using these devices, then take the time to research what will fit your vehicle. Also, look into the types of device(s) you want to use. There is a wonderful article about how to choose the device(s) for you along with some additional hints at http://www.ehow.com/how_17369_choose-anti-theft.html . I strongly urge you to read this article.

4. PARK UNDER STREET LIGHTS. I know this is not always possible, but thieves are less likely to take vehicles that are in an area under lights.

5. PARK NEAR BUSINESSES. If you live in an urban area, park by the bank or other businesses that are likely to have security cameras monitoring the neighborhood. The chance of being caught stealing your vehicle might deter some criminals.

6. PAY ATTENTION TO OTHERS. If you move into a new place and the neighbors do not park in certain places, be wary. They may know things you do not. There are always parking spots at the end of the lot near the hospital my husband works at because the security cameras do not quite see the complete car parked in the last few spots. Workers there know that many vehicles have been keyed or vandalized in those spots. It is a case of been there done that not going back.

In any case the best way to avoid theft is to be prepared. Know your surroundings, keep valuables hidden, lock the doors and windows and use visible anti-theft devices that are known to work. The best anti-theft device for you is one that fits your lifestyle, budget, and ability to use.

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