Add layers of protection

To protect yourself in cold weather you put on layers of clothing to say warm.  It's no different when you want to protect your vehicle from car thieves.

Use a layered approach

The more layers of protection on your vehicle, the more difficult it is to steal.

Layer 1, Common Sense

This one's simple and doesn't cost a thing.

• Lock your doors
• Remove your keys from the ignition
• Close  you windows completely
• Park in well lit areas

Layer 2, Visible or Audible Devices

Car alarms are annoying when they go off.  Just ask a car thief...they work.  They avoid cars with anti-theft devices like car alarms or vehicle inhibitors. 

• Audible alarm systems                             
• Steering wheel/brake locks
• Steering wheel column collars                   
• Theft deterrent (blinking) lights, decals
• Wheel locks
• Window etching

Layer 3, Vehicle Immobilizer

Thieves can bypass your ignition by "hot wiring" a vehicle.  But you can deter the bad guys by installing a vehicle immobilizer system.

• Smart keys with a computer chip built into the key and must be present to start the vehicle.
• Fuse cut-off switches
• Kill switches
• Starter, ignition and fuel disablers

Layer 4, Tracking Systems

The 4th layer of protection is a tracking system that tracks and alerts the authorities of the whereabouts of your vehicle when it is stolen.  These systems can often times recover your vehicle faster and with less damage. 

• Lo-jack
• Onstar