Precautions you can take IT'S EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY !!!!
What to do if your car is stolen
T.A.T.T.O.O.
Most commonly stolen vehicles in Fort Lauderdale
Read about Operation RiteTracAuto theft is a serious crime that affects the whole community. Higher insurance rates, property damage, injuries and loss of life from accidents are the result. Owners of the vehicles are largely responsible for the rising number of auto thefts and we must all work to help reduce this problem.
YOU can help to prevent the theft of your vehicle by taking a few simple precautions !! PRECAUTIONS YOU CAN TAKE
1. When leaving your vehicle, regardless of the length of time, remove the key from the ignition, close all windows and lock the doors.
2. Install smooth non-flared locking buttons on your car doors. This will help prevent someone from opening the door with a coat hanger.
3. At night, park your vehicle in a well lit area.
4. Never leave your vehicle unattended with luggage on the roof rack...this also applies to ski and bike racks.
5. Never leave your drivers license, vehicle registration, insurance cards or credit cards in your vehicle. Your identification, once stolen, can be used to commit crimes involving credit card fraud and forgery.
6. DO NOT have an identification tag with your name, address or vehicle license number on your key chain.
7. NEVER leave your house keys on your key ring when using a valet car service. You should only give the valet car parker your valet key (if vehicle is so equipped).
8. Never leave articles in your vehicle in plain view. Lock them in your trunk.
You should take the above precautions whenever you use your vehicle. Additional security can be obtained by the installation of a vehicle security system or by the installation of a steering wheel locking device or a steering wheel to brake pedal locking device. These types of steering wheel locks are commercially available and offer a deterrent to the inexperienced auto thief.
A vehicle security system is an excellent way to help prevent the theft of your car and will give you additional protection against the more experienced auto thief. Prices for security systems vary, depending on the type of system and the degree of protection requited. When purchasing a vehicle security system, you should insist on the following minimum requirements:
1. An ignition cut-off should be an integral part of the system and should activate automatically in the event you forget to activate the system.
2. The system should cover all points of entry to the vehicle. A glass break sensor offers a good backup protection in the event entry is gained by breaking the window.
3. A motion detector, sometimes referred to as a 'shaker switch' or 'shock sensor' is necessary to help prevent towing of the vehicle.
4. A siren (annunciator) should always be used and should have a five (5) minute reset capability.
It is recommended that you visit several auto security installation shops before purchasing a security system. There are numerous options that can be added to the system, including flashing lights, beeper notification, battery backup and remote control operation. Three are also vehicle tracking systems which utilize radio frequency signals to track a vehicle once it has been reported stolen to the police. YOU must decide what additional features are best for you, and whether or not the additional protection is cost-effective.
Certain GM, Chrysler and AMC vehicles are susceptible to theft via the steering column housing. This can be prevented by the installation of a steel collar which protects the lower bowl, upper housing and ignition lock with hardened steel. This type of collar is commercially available at automobile dealerships, locksmiths, and some repair facilities. Whatever brand of protective collar you decide to buy, make sure that the collar has been crashed tested and that the collar will not inhibit the collapsibility of the steering column.
Vehicle identification etching (VIN Etching) offers another obstacle to the would be auto thief. This procedure involves the etching of your VIN number on all windows of the vehicle. When a car thief observes that the windows of a vehicle have been etched, he realizes that all of the windows in the vehicle will have to be replaced before the car can be sold. A real hassle and expense for the car thief!!
Keep in mind that many insurance companies offer a discount for their customers who utilize certain security measures to protect their vehicles. Contact your insurance company before you have a system installed and find out what systems are acceptable to the company for the discount.
WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOUR VEHICLE IS STOLEN?
- Report the theft to the police immediately.
- Provide the police with the following information:
- Vehicle license number
- Vehicle serial number.
- Year, make, model and color.
- Any personal identification marks, such as dents, scratches or stickers.
- A list of the items contained in the auto, ie: cameras, etc...
T.A.T.T.O.O.
Targeting Auto Theft Through Overt Operations A proactive approach to Auto Theft utilizing a specially marked police cruiser and a uniformed lead detective. The purpose of this program is to advertise to criminals and legitimate persons alike the Police Department's commitment to reducing auto theft, apprehending thieves and recovering property.
By identifying theft-popular vehicles, steering wheel locking devices, (Clubs) will be issued.
Tactical Auto Theft Unit with Officer Ed Robinson
MOST
COMMONLY STOLEN VEHICLES IN FORT LAUDERDALE - 2002
Rank # Year Make Model 1 86-91 Toyota Camry 2 92-02 Dodge/Plym Caravan & Voyager 3 89-02 Ford F series P/U 4 92-02 Honda Accord 5 86-92 Toyota Corolla 6 89-02 Ford Taurus 7 84-92 Oldsmobile Cutlass 8 82-92 Buick LeSabre 9 85-02 Ford Mustang 10 94-02 Mitsubishi Galant
Should you own any of the above listed vehicles and you live or work in the Fort Lauderdale area, feel free to contact Detective Ed Robinson of the Fort Lauderdale Police Dept. Auto Theft Division at (954) 828-5519 for a free Steering Wheel Locking Device (Club).
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE
CONTACT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
