HAMILTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
District Four
Silverton Station

You can prevent vehicle theft!

Most cars are taken by amateurs who can be stopped fairly easily. You can increase your protection against this type of crime by taking the following precautions:

Lock up

  • An unlocked car is an open invitation to a car thief. Lock up when you leave your car, and take the keys with you.
  • Lock the trunk or tailgate.
  • Close all windows — professional thieves have tools that unlock cars through the  smallest openings.
  • When you park the car, remove cellular phones, I-Pads, I-Pods, GPS devices and other  valuable possessions. Lock all valuables in your trunk or take them with you.
  • Lock your car even if you are making a quick stop at the gas station or convenience store

Park carefully

  • Don’t leave an auto in unattended public parking lots for an extended period. A car is five times more likely to be stolen from an unattended lot than from the street or attended lot.
  • If possible, park your car in a lot where you don’t have to leave your keys.
  • Never attach a tag with your name and address to your key ring. If the keys are lost or stolen, the tag will lead the thief directly to your car and your home. If you have to leave your keys with a parking attendant leave only the ignition key.
  • At night, park in well-lit areas with lots of people around.
  • Turn wheels sharply toward the curb when parking, this makes it extra difficult for thieves to tow your car.

Operation I.D.

  • Record your vehicle identification number (located on a small metal plate on the dashboard of newer cars) and license plate number and store it in a safe place.
  • Keep the vehicle registration in your wallet or purse, not in your car.

Use anti-theft devices

  • When buying a car, check the manufacturer’s list of anti-theft options, such as interior hood and trunk releases, locking steering columns and others.
  • Consider the purchase and installation of security devices, such as:
    • Interior hood lock release.
    • Locking gas cap.
    • Locking devices for batteries, wheels, etc.
    • Alarm device to activate a siren, horn or lights – or all three – to frighten the thief away.
    • Device that attaches to the steering wheel or brake pedal.

Carjacking

A driver of any vehicle can be a target of someone with a weapon. It can happen anywhere, day or night. Here are some precautions:

  • Keep your doors locked.
  • Park in well-lit, busy areas.
  • Be alert of your surroundings, of people approaching your vehicle.
  • Stick with the traffic; avoid lightly traveled streets, especially after dark.
  • Keep car and house keys on separate key chains.
  • Keep the garage door opener in your purse or briefcase.
  • When stopped in traffic, always leave enough room to make an emergency getaway.
  • If someone is threatening you with a weapon, give up the vehicle — it’s not worth your life.

How to prevent theft of other motor vehicles

Thefts of snowmobiles, motorcycles, boats and trail-bikes are also increasing. Many of the same precautions that apply to cars also apply to recreational vehicles.

Lock It

  • Make sure all easy-to-carry items like motors, water skis and camping gear are locked up before leaving your vehicle.

Chain It

  • Vehicles carried on trailers should be secured with a strong chain and padlock.
  • When the trailer is not attached to your car, secure it with a heavy chain and lock to a stationary object.
  • Chain your motorcycle or snowmobile to a stationary object such as a lamppost or sewer grating. Even when your vehicle is in the garage, use a heavy chain and padlock that resists  conventional steel hacksaw blades.