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Car Thefts on Rise but New Technologies Available to Fight Crime

An Alarm System is the Least You Can Do to Thwart Auto Crime

Have you ever had your car stolen? It leaves an empty feeling inside; a violation of personal space that may not be as intrusive as a break and entry into a home or business, but nevertheless can leave a black stain on a persons outlook on humanity in general.

Similar to how malicious spyware or computer viruses can be thwarted by installing antivirus and anti-spy software, and made even safer with a firewall and router, there are things that we can do to make it difficult for the antisocial to take our prized cars, trucks, vans, SUVs and motorcycles.

Anti-theft devices arent necessarily foolproof, of course, but theyll often stop the amateur dead in his tracks

There are things that we can do to make it difficult for the antisocial to take our prized cars, trucks, vans, SUVs and motorcycles. (Photo: Ford Motor Company)
and cause the professional to look for easier prey elsewhere.

But what type of device should you consider? There are those that are designed to stop the thief before entering the car, some once theyre inside and others that will track the perpetrator as they drive away.

Of course, a combination of all devices would be best, and the investment needed will no doubt depend on how

You dont have to wait until your vehicle is stolen to learn the lesson of protecting your valuables. (Photo: Ducati)
often youve had to deal with recovering, or attempting to recover a stolen vehicle.

But like the people youve met who are lamenting lost computer information due to a virus attack, when they could have either downloaded the latest antivirus update, but didnt, or were planning on buying an external backup drive but never got around to it, you dont have to wait until your car is stolen to learn the lesson of protecting your valuables.

You say it wont happen to you? Well, if you live in Tucson, Arizona,

Pay more for a better system, and youll be better off in the long run. (Photo: NowAuto, Inc.)
where property crime is amongst the most prevalent in the U.S., yes that means it is worse than in most major cities such as New York City and L.A., youre likely to have your car stolen at some point. Way back in year 2000, the odds of a vehicle being stolen were 1 in 196. If this was a lottery, the lineups would go down the street and around the block.

It has been proven that a combination of theft deterrent devices, complete with warning stickers or at least a flashing red light is enough to cause thieves to look elsewhere for an unprotected car, as there are plenty to choose from.

But be careful

Be careful when choosing fuel switches and/or kill switches as some may void your warranty. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)
what combination of devices you choose. For instance, if you buy an alarm system that doesnt offer much flexibility for adjusting sensitivity levels, you may make enemies of your neighbors and get a brick through the windshield anyway. Pay more for a better system, and youll be better off in the long run. If your car is something truly special, that crooks may want to spend a little extra time on and disconnect the power to your alarm system, which would render it useless, consider a backup power source for the alarm. And while this should be a no-brainer, keys or code numbers to the alarm should never be given to parking lot attendants or valets.

Sneaky little devices to stop thieves

"Bait" cars are vehicles that are purposely left for a thief to steal, in order to bust regular criminals in the act. (Photo: General Motors)
dead in their tracks are fuel switches and/or kill switches. After all, the bad guys not going to get very far is he cant find the hidden toggle to turn the fuel system or connect the starter to electrical power. Be careful, though, as such devices could cause problems with your cars "electronic brain", the ECU, and therefore negatively affect your warranty.

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