28

Apr
2011

Preventing Auto Theft and Break-Ins

April 28th, 2011 | by admin admin | in Security Advice |    0   

Last week, Surrey RCMP arrested one of B.C.’s most wanted car thieves. The suspect and his partner had stripped down a stolen older model Honda Accord before attempting to sell the parts – all under the watchful eye of police officers.

The case sounds a warning for car owners: Thieves like older cars. The average age of a stolen vehicle in B.C. is now about 11 years old. Why? Because most older models aren’t equipped with effective anti-theft devices.

Electronic engine immobilizers offer the best protection, but aren’t foolproof. The Insurance Corporation of B.C. recommends installing immobilizers that will prevent ignition even if the device is damaged or torn from the vehicle. Some determined thieves will even break into your home in search of the keys to deactivate your immobilizer. Be careful where you keep the keys.

ICBC’s other theft prevention tips include:

• Park in well-lit areas, near pedestrian traffic.
• Remove keys, spare change, shopping bags, electronics, briefcases and similar items from the vehicle.
• Hide your garage door opener. Better yet, if you park close to your home, take the opener with you.

And, as the signs at every parkade say: Wait for the garage gate to close behind you.

Thanks to the work of the Integrated Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team (IMPACT) and its bait car program, auto theft in B.C. has dropped 65 per cent over the last seven years. As car owners become more savvy, perhaps that number will drop even more.

Author: Susanna Chu