Cars.com states that car theft was on the rise in 2016,  “According to the latest FBI figures, in the first six months of 2016, auto theft spiked nearly 7 percent compared with the same period the year before. For the entire year of 2015, auto theft increased more than 3 percent.”

We are all guilty of thinking, “I’ll just be gone for a minute,” “I am in a safe rural area” or “My car isn’t brand new, so they won’t steal mine.” But when opportunity and preparedness meet, taking a car can be a quick score.

Here are some simple common sense tips to help you reduce the chances of auto theft:

1. KEEP YOUR CAR LOCKED AT ALL TIMES, while parked or while driving!! This seems obvious to most people, but when asked, many people don’t lock their vehicles.
2. Keep valuables and cash out of sight
3. Don’t leave your car title in the car – this is like finding a pot of gold to a car thief
4. Don’t park your vehicle in an area where crime levels are high
5. When leaving your car – don’t walk away being all “flashy,” this can entice someone to take a look at your vehicle as a possible car to steal
6. If your vehicle doesn’t have an anti-theft system, consider getting one installed – it may even reduce your car insurance rate
7. Turning your wheels to the curb helps reduce your chance of your automobile being stolen
8. Thieves love to work at night – less chance of being caught
9. Never leave your car unattended and running
10. Remember if you are in a carjacking situation –You can’t be replaced, but your car can– always stay safe!

At Steely & Smith, we can help you find the right auto insurance for your vehicles. We can explain what to do if your car becomes stolen and what steps you can take to aid in its return.  Contact us today to see how we can help!