Holiday Auto Theft Prevention Tips
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), New Year's Day is the second most popular holiday for vehicle thefts, with a reported 2,011 cars stolen on that day in 2014.
"The stress of the holiday season is often enough to distract vehicle owners from taking the appropriate safety measures during a time when thieves are known to be on the prowl," said Patrick Clancy, Vice President of LoJack Law Enforcement. "In recent years, vehicle theft has become much more sophisticated and we're dealing with even more challenges in protecting assets. As such, it is even more imperative that vehicle owners be smart and focus on the basics. Following these best practices can help to ensure a peaceful, happy holiday season and New Year."
To protect valuable assets and remain vigilant against advanced theft techniques, LoJack recommends the following best practices:
- Be a secretive Santa: Conceal any valuables – including holiday gifts and gadgets – by stowing them in your trunk. Remember to lock your car, and be aware that gifts stored in your vehicle often give thieves additional motive to break in.
- Turn off the sleigh: People love a warm car, and so do thieves – so don't leave a running vehicle unattended, even for a few minutes. Make sure to turn your car off and remove your keys at all times, even if it's just a quick trip back inside the house.
- May your parking spots shine like a festival of lights: Park your car in a safe, well-lit area that gets plenty of foot traffic. You may be visiting family or attending a holiday party, but it's important to park your vehicle in a safe place as to avoid becoming a target for opportunistic thieves.
- Peace on earth, specifically in your driveway: Using a stolen vehicle recovery system will provide peace-of-mind knowing that your vehicle can be recovered in case of theft. A LoJack® Stolen Vehicle Recovery System can help police track stolen vehicles, and cars, trucks and SUVs equipped with the LoJack System are recovered over 90 percent of the time.