Whether it’s the work of elaborate theft rings or random individual crime, car theft is big business. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, insurance crime in its various forms costs the average household approximately $200 a year in the form of higher insurance premium rates.

Statistically, the chances are about 1 in 42 that you will be a victim of car theft. Don’t become complacent. Reduce the chances of your vehicle being stolen.

Always remove your keys from your parked vehicle. Thirteen percent of stolen vehicles had the keys in them.

Park with your front wheels turned sharply to the right or left… Apply the emergency brakes. Ten percent of stolen cars are towed.

Consider using a “club-like” locking bar on the steering wheel. It helps.

Park in a locked garage that is patrolled and well-lit, whenever possible.

Alarmingly, car-jacking has become a more common and more violent method of auto theft. Protect yourself!

Don’t roll down your windows to a suspicious person.

Keep your doors locked and windows up.

If a suspicious person is near your parked car, don’t approach it.

The NICB, law enforcement and insurance companies work together to crack down on criminal operations. You can help. If you suspect vehicle theft activity, advise the local police or make an anonymous phone call to the NICB at 1-800-TEL-NICB.

Auto property protection is something we can all practice, and in so doing, help hold down increasing insurance costs.

MIKE WILLIAMS is a local agent with State Farm Insurance.

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