Did you know July is motor vehicle theft prevention month? According to FBI crime statistics, there were an estimated 721,885 thefts of motor vehicles nationwide in 2019. The estimated rate of motor vehicle thefts was 219.9 per 100,000 inhabitants. To prevent you becoming a victim of motor vehicle theft, here are nine tips from Security Specialists:

1. Always Keep Your Car Locked
2. Never Leave Your Car Running – while it may be convenient to run into a store, nothing is more attractive to a thief than a running car with no one in sight. Always turn your vehicle off and lock your car.
3. Keep Your Windows and Sunroof Closed – a locked vehicle does very little for theft prevention if thieves have easy access via an open window or sunroof.
4. Avoid High Crime Areas – always plan a commute or trip away from high-crime areas.
5. Always Use Extreme Caution at Night – Car thieves tend to operate at night. Make it a priority to park in high-traffic and well-lit areas when you are traveling at night.
6. Install an Anti-Theft Device – Many modern cars come with a standard anti-theft device, if yours does not, consider purchasing one.
7. Leave the Parking Brake On – this simple step can prevent thieves from easily towing your vehicle and having a quick getaway.
8. Be Aware of Your Surroundings When Parking – use common-sense when leaving a parking lot or gas station. Keep your eyes open and if something seems strange, move your car somewhere else or call police or security.
9. Never Leave Valuables in Your Car – leaving valuables in plain sight, even in a locked car, makes it more of a target. Keep your valuables home or hidden.