PARKING YOUR VEHICLE
- Lock your vehicle and do not hide a key within your vehicle. A "backup" key can be kept in your wallet or purse.
- Never leave your vehicle idling, even in your own driveway. Thieves are opportunistic and an idling vehicle is often too much temptation. ACRATT has made several arrests using a "bait car" that was idling.
- Park in areas where your vehicle will be in view of the general public. At night park in well-lit parking lots.
- If you have a high-theft vehicle use an anti-theft device.
- Motorcycles have a high theft rate when compared to cars. Never rely on the stock locking systems on motorcycles. These are all easily defeated. ACRATT recommends that you secure your motorcycle with a high-quality after-market lock. Since motorcycles can simply be lifted and carried into a waiting van or truck, a high-quality chain or cable should be used to secure the motorcycle to an immoveable object.
ANTI-THEFT DEVICES
- Steering wheel locking devices. While not fool-proof, these anti-theft devices do serve as a significant deterrent. Thieves usually want to commit their crime as quickly as possible. If your vehicle has one of these devices in place it is likely the thief will look elsewhere to engage in his trade.
- Alarms vary greatly in sophistication and expense. A simple audible alarm may not cause many people to pay much attention to your vehicle. But such a simple alarm could prove valuable should someone attempt to steal your vehicle from your driveway, or from in front of your house. More expensive alarms generally have an electronic ignition cut-off device which effectively prevents the vehicle from being driven. Many higher value, late-model vehicles have good anti-theft systems installed at the factory. Finally, there are "silent" alarms which notify the owner by a pager-type device if someone is tampering with the vehicle.
- Tracking devices have proven to be effective in locating a vehicle after it has been stolen. Again, some late-model vehicles have this capability from the factory, but for most people this would require installation from a private vendor. ACRATT investigators have located several "chop shops" which were revealed by tracking the signals from vehicles which had these devices installed. These devices, like higher-end alarm systems, are most often installed in collector cars or other high value vehicles.
CAR-JACKING PREVENTION
- Car-jacking, the taking of a vehicle by force, is a comparitively rare crime. The potential for harm should you resist a car-jacking is significant. Many of these criminals are heavy drug users and have little reluctance to use force or common sense. If you are confronted, try to stay calm, follow directions, and try to remember as much as you can about the description of the thief. Remember, most cars are recovered within a short period of time. It is not worth your life to try to keep your car under these circumstances.
- If possible, try to avoid high-crime areas. If you are travelling to an unfamiliar location, take the time to get good directions prior to leaving. Don't end up, by accident, in the "wrong neighborhood".
- On occasion, car-jackers will intentionally bump into a victim's vehicle in an effort to get them to stop. When the victim stops and exits to check the damage, the car-jacking takes place. If you feel you have been intentionally bumped, do not stop, but travel slowly and carefully to a public area where contact can safely be made.
- When driving on city streets keep your doors locked and windows closed.
- When stopping behind other cars in traffic leave enough space so you can avoid being trapped between vehicles.
- Car-jackings often take place as someone is trying to enter their parked vehicle. To avoid this scenario, always try to park in a public, well-lit area, and have your keys in your hand prior to arriving at the car. Get in quickly and lock your doors. Be aware of suspicious persons. If you feel unsafe, leave the area until the person is no longer there.
- Some car-jackings take place when thieves answer ads for cars that are for sale. If you are selling a car take someone with you while showing your vehicle. Obtain the potential buyer's driver license number and name prior to any test drive.
- Flashy vehicles, custom vehicles, and high-value vehicles are all more likely to be car-jacked. Recently the Cadillac Escalade has been one of the most commonly car-jacked vehicles. Also, in Alameda County, vehicles equipped with "spinner" type custom wheels have been the targets of car-jackers.
BUYING A USED VEHICLE
ACRATT investigates many cases every year where an "innocent purchaser" ends up being the unknowing buyer of a stolen vehicle. Here are a few tips to keep from being such a victim.
- Know your seller: You should always insist on seeing and recording the identification of the party you are buying a vehicle from. Be wary of any person selling a car that is not registered in his or her name and avoid buying from persons alleging to be selling the vehicle for a third party.
- Verify the vehicle's identification: Make sure the license and vehicle identification number match what is shown on the seller's ownership certificate and registration. The vehicle identification number can usually be found on the driver's side of the dashboard.
- Pay with a check: Do not take large sums of cash for your transaction. Persons who try to sell stolen cars will often insist on cash, not wanting a "paper trail" leading back to them.
- Contact ACRATT: If you feel something is not right with the deal, contact ACRATT for advice.
- Be leery of the "great deal": Really great deals on vehicles are rare. Again, if you are not sure, give ACRATT a call.
- Collector and vintage cars: Never buy such a vehicle without having first-hand knowledge of what you are getting. If you are not completely versed in the type of vehicle you are considering for purchase, contact someone who is knowledgeable to assist you. Occasionally, cars advertised as being original, one-of-a-kind, and rare, are not. Some vehicles, such as older Mustang Shelby GT's, are simply copies which are put together using after-market products. Many collector clubs are happy to provide expert advice.