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Auto Security Tips
According to Statistics Canada, one car is stolen every three minutes in this Country. Auto theft makes up more than one third of all property crimes and costs the Canadian tax payers more then $1 billion annually. Nobody is safe from being a target of auto theft in fact economy cars are just as likely to be stolen as luxury cars.
Fifty to seventy percent of the vehicles stolen in Canada are opportunity thefts. In other words the vehicle was in the wrong place at the wrong time and it was an easy target for someone looking to go joy-riding, get transportation, or commit a crime for which a vehicle is required. The remainder of auto thefts are usually newer cars selected specifically for re-sale.
Here are some helpful tips that will help ensure you do not become a victim of auto theft.
Preventing Auto-Theft
- Park your vehicle in well-lit areas with plenty of pedestrian traffic. Thieves will be discouraged if they are more likely to be seen.
- Don't leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
- Don't leave personal identification or valuables in the vehicle.
- Engrave your vehicle registration number on all valuable removable parts (stereo, wheel covers, etc)
- Consider installing an anti-theft device, and locking wheel covers, gas caps, etc.
- Never leave your wallet or parcels in plain view.
- Always lock all doors and close all windows of your vehicle after entering and exiting.
- Keep your garage locked with your vehicle inside.
- When parking, turn your wheels into the curb, and apply the emergency brake. This makes the vehicle harder to tow.
- Don't hide spare keys on or in the vehicle - they can be found.
- Don't put your name or address on your house or vehicle keys - this can lead a thief to your house and your car.
- Keep your vehicle and house keys on a separate ring.
Reporting a Stolen Vehicle
If your vehicle is stolen, contact the police immediately. While you should have the following information available when you call the police, do not waste time looking for it.
- Year
- Make
- Model
- Colour
- VIN - Vehicle Identification Number
- License Plate Number
- Ignition key number
- Insurance company
- Policy number
- Agent / Broker
- Telephone number
- Any distinguishing features (dents, scratches)
- Contents of the vehicle (stereo system, tools, personal possessions, etc.)
77 Beckwith Street North, Smiths Falls, Ontario, K7A 2B8