If You're Concerned About Being A Victim Of Car Theft You Have To Read These Simple Tips

The average number of car thefts per year in Canada is declining, with some reports stating that it is the lowest since 1976. That said, in a Global News article reported on June 7, 2013, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, even though car theft numbers are not on the rise, on average a car is stolen in Canada every three and a half minutes—about 420 per day. The report continues that, “every year it is estimated that about 40 people die and 65 are injured as a direct result of auto theft.” Stolen cars are often sold for a quick profit, and often used to fund other criminal activity.

Below is a list of the top ten most popular stolen cars in Canada:

1.     2000 HONDA CIVIC SiR 2DR

2.     1999 HONDA CIVIC SiR 2DR

3.     2006 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER SS 4DR 4WD

4.     2007 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU

5.     2005 CADILLAC ESCALADE 4DR AWD

6.     2006 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU

7.     2002 CADILLAC ESCALADE 4DR 4WD

8.     2005 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU

9.     2004 FORD F350 SD 4WD PU

10. 1999 ACURA INTEGRA 2DR

All-terrain vehicles are becoming more popular, for they are often shipped and sold overseas to countries like West Africa, the Middle East.

There are a number of ways to avoid car theft—some are quite obvious, while others may be eye-opening:

• Close all windows, lock doors and trunk—even if you leave the car for only a moment. Leaving your car for even seconds can present an opportunity for theft.

• Never leave the car running and always remove the keys from the ignition, especially when at a gas station or ATM machine, or convenience store.

• When in a car and stopped by a stranger, be wary of anyone asking you to wind down your window or get out of your car, for this may be a scheme to steal your vehicle.

• One form of car-jacking is the culprit bumping your car from behind at a fairly low speed. When you jump out to check for damage, the culprit hops in your car and speeds off. If you are suspicious—and your gut will tell you—stay in your car, lock your doors and windows, and call the police from your mobile phone.

• Try to park in a well-lit area, and preferably off the road. Avoid leaving your car in a car park for an extensive period of time. Best place to keep your car is parked in your garage at night. Having your car parked outside may be more convenient, but it means that it is vulnerable and visible to would-be thieves.

• To minimize your car falling prey to being towed away by a thief, always leave your car in gear if it has manual transmission, or, if automatic, in park—and always put the emergency break on, and turn the steering wheel to point the front wheels to the curb.

• Hide your personal belongings, especially mobile phones and laptops/tablets, purses/wallets, etc. If your stereo has a removable face, take it with you.

• Take your information with you: Instead of storing your ownership, insurance information, and registration in your glove compartment, you should keep them with you. Leaving them in your vehicle increases your chances of falling prey to identity theft.