Auto Theft Prevention
 

H.E.A.T. - Help Eliminate Auto Theft

Click Here to view our Auto Theft video - "Fast Break"

In the City of Tempe, we continue to beat the H. E. A. T. - Help Eliminate Auto Theft.  The citizens of Tempe play a vital role in stopping auto theft.  To help protect your vehicle, we recommend the layered protection.  The more layers of protection on your vehicle, the more difficult it is to steal.

 Layer #1 - Common Sense

 An unlocked vehicle with a key in the ignition is an open invitation to any thief, regardless of which anti-theft device you use.  The most common sense approach to protection is the simplest and the most cost-effective way to thwart would-be thieves.

Secure your vehicle even if parking for brief periods.  You should always:

  • Remove your keys from the ignition
  • Lock your doors and close your windows
  • Park in a well-lit area
  • Use your garage
  • Remove all visible valuable from your vehicle

Layer #2 - Warning Devices

The second layer of protection is a visible or audible device which alerts thieves that your vehicle is protected.  Popular second layer devices include:

  • Audible alarm
  • Steering column collars
  • Steering wheel/brake pedal lock
  • Brake locks
  • Wheel locks
  • Tire locks/tire deflators
  • Theft deterrent decals
  • Identification markers in or on vehicle
  • Window etching
  • Laminated glass

Layer #3 - Immobilizing Device

The third layer of protection is a device which prevents thieves from bypassing your ignition and hot-wiring the vehicle.  Some electronic devices have computer chips for ignition keys.  Other devices inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch or button is activated.

Popular third layer devices include:

  • Smart keys
  • Fuse cut-offs
  • Kill switches
  • Starter, ignition and fuel disablers

Layer #4 - Tracking Device

The final layer of protection is a tracking device which emits a signal to a police or monitoring station where the vehicle is reported stolen.  Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles.

Layer #5 - Watch Your Car Program   

The Watch Your Car decal program is a voluntary program whereby vehicle owners enroll their vehicles with the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority.  The vehicles is then entered into a special database developed and maintained by the AATA which is directly linked to the Motor Vehicle Division.

Participants then display the Watch Your Car decals in the front and rear windows of their vehicles.  By displaying the decals, vehicle owners convey to law enforcement officials that their vehicle is not usually in use between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., when a majority of thefts occur.

If a police officer witnesses the vehicles in operation between these hours, they have the authority to pull it over and question the driver.  With access to the MVD database, the officer will be able to determine if the vehicle has been stolen or not.  The program also allows law enforcement officials to notify the vehicle's owner immediately upon determination that it is being illegally operated.

With your assistance, we can continue to Beat the H.E.A.T. in the City of Tempe.  For further information on Crime Prevention Programs, please call 858-6330 or visit the following web sites for auto theft prevention information:  Crime Analysis Unit and  Watch Your Car Program.

Lock A Door - Stop A Thief

Give your home a fighting chance against crime.  Delaying a burglar for four minutes is usually enough to prevent entry into a house or apartment.  it is almost impossible to make a home "crime proof" but it is easy to make entry difficult and frustrate a burglar.  Just follow these tips and help take a bite out of crime.

  • Home and garage doors should always be locked.  More than half of all residential burglaries occur due to unlocked doors and windows. 

What You Can Do

No amount of prevention can guarantee that your car will not be stolen, but by taking a few simple precautions you can greatly reduce your chances of becoming another auto theft victim.

  • Close your windows, lock your doors, conceal your valuables and take your keys.

  • Use a steering column locking device.

  • Engrave your vehicle ID number on your windshield.

  • Use an alarm that shuts off your electrical or fuel systems when activated.

  • Park your car in well lighted, well traveled areas.

  • Put all packages out of sight.

  • Install a hidden ignition "kill" switch.

  • Park your car in your garage at home.

  • Do not store spare keys in or around your vehicle.

  • Participate in "Watch Your Car" anti-theft program.

Remember:

If you leave your car unlocked, leave your keys in the car, or leave your valuables in sight, your chances of becoming a victim is:
1 in 30

If you lock your car, take your keys, and conceal your valuables your chances of becoming a victim is:
1 in 1000

If you lock your car, take your keys, conceal your valuables, and use a visible anti-theft device the chances of becoming a victim is:
1 in 30,000


So,
BE SMART,
DO YOUR PART,
DON'T BE A VICTIM!  

LOCK IT OR LOSE IT!
IT'S YOUR CHOICE!