Mark's Tips
(From Public Safety Director Mark Hubenak)

Public Safety Tips
Tips for Preventing Auto Thefts and Break-ins

The Westchase District is asking citizens to take an active role in reducing crime by securing your property in your vehicle. With everyone's help, we can reduce these types of crime through simple prevention and redirect the officers of our city to other crimes.
Burglary of a motor vehicle is most often a crime of opportunity. If you take away the opportunity, we reduce the chance of becoming a victim. In the majority of these cases, property can be seen by looking into the vehicle. Most thieves don't want to take a gamble by breaking into a vehicle where they're walking away empty handed. Remember, they're looking for a sure thing.
Make Your Car Tough to Steal - No vehicle or anti-theft device is 100% theft proof, and discouraging thieves is not an easy task. A thief's greatest enemy is time. The more difficult your car is to steal, the longer it takes to be stolen. By making your car a tougher target, the thief will probably move on to a car that is easier to steal. By installing anti-theft devices on your vehicle, you may qualify for a discount on your comprehensive insurance rates.

1. Take Your Keys.
   
2. Lock Your Car.
   
3. Completely Close Car Windows When Parking. Don't make it any easier for the thief to enter your vehicle.
   
4. Don't Leave Valuables in Plain View. Remove laptops, purses, briefcase, cellular phones, expensive stereo systems, portable TV/DVD players, packages, gym bags, sports equipment, tools, luggage, etc. Lock these items in the trunk of your car before arriving at your destination or take them with you. Many thieves watch hotels, restaurants, health clubs and church parking lots waiting for you to put these items in the trunk.
   
5. Install Locking Devices on Wheels. To help prevent theft of expensive wheels along with their tires. Wheel locks function like regular lug nuts, with the exception of requiring a special key tool for removal and installation.
   
6. Park in Open, Well Lighted, Populated Areas Near Your Destination. Avoid parking near trucks, vans, dumpsters, and other objects that obstruct visibility and provide hiding places. Avoid parking near strangers loitering or sitting in vehicles.
   
7. If you have a Garage, Use It. If you have a garage, take the time to use it rather than parking outside where your car is more vulnerable. If you have to park outside, avoid dark or isolated areas.
   
8. Replace "T" Shaped Door Locks With Tapered Ones. Some vehicles doors have lock assemblies at window level that flare out in the knob or "T" shape. A thief can use various tools to gain access inside the vehicle, grab and pull the lock. Straight locks prevent this.
   
9. Alarms. Install an alarm system that will sound when someone attempts to break in, move, tilt, or start your vehicle. Optional sensors include glass breakage, motion tampering and towing. Panic buttons, back-up batteries, flashing parking lights or headlights and automatic engine disable features are recommended. Always activate the system when leaving the vehicle.
   
10. Hood Locks. Prevent the thief from gaining access to your security system and battery.
    
11. Armored Collar Around the Steering Column. Protects the column and ignition.
    
12. Park With Your Wheels Turned Towards the Curb. Make your car tough to tow away. Wheels should also be turned to the side in driveways, parking lots and when parking on a street.
    
13. Visible Steering Wheel Lock. Use anti-theft devices that can be attached to the steering wheel and brake pedal. These prevent the steering wheel from being turned. Use one every time you leave your vehicle unattended. Steering wheel locks are inexpensive and are recommended by some experts to be the most cost-effective theft deterrent on the market today.
    
14. Ignition Kill Switch. Splice an inexpensive toggle switch into your ignition wire or starter. The trick is hiding the switch will. Keypads, pressure pads and more expensive "Immobilizers" and "Passkeys" can also be used.
    
15. Fuel Kill Switch. The valve that enables the flow of fuel is closed when the switch is off.
    
16. Vehicle Tracking. Silent transmitter hidden in car enables police to track the car.

This list was compiled by Westchase District Public Safety Director Mark Hubenak.  For more information, email Mark.