Protect your Car From Theft: Don't Fall Prey to Anti-theft Device Scams

Auto theft is very profitable in the US, and protecting your vehicle from thieves is nearly impossible. Late night infomercials and magazine ads are flooded with products that promise to keep your car safe. Finding a few that actually work is easier said than done.

How you do know which products are worth your time and money? Crime prevention experts do have a few recommendations, but they warn that no device is foolproof. If a thief is determined, he will steal your car.

Let's take a look at a few common types of anti-theft products sold today.

 Car Alarms. Some experts say that because of the number of alarms that are set off by passing trucks or the neighbor's cat, the public has become immune to the blaring car alarm, giving it little or no attention at all. Alarms are available that trigger a pager that the owner carries, telling them instantly whenever the silent alarm has been triggered. This may be an option, but it may not be practical if you live on the 10th floor of an apartment building on work in a high rise complex.

Have your car alarm professionally installed. Loose, visible wires are an invitation for a thief to make a quick snip of wire cutters, disabling your alarm. If a thief has to work harder to reach wires embedded in the dash, they may pass on your vehicle.

 Starter Disable Switches. If a thief does not notice that your vehicle is equipped with a switch, it will take them longer to disable the device and start your car, increasing the chance of detection by citizens or the owner.

 Don't bother with steering wheel locks or bogus alarm stickers. Experienced thieves see right through these tactics, and a steering wheel can be cut in seconds to remove a locking device.

 Location based GPS recovery systems like Lojack or Onstar are one of the best deterrents for a thief. Thieves will often avoid cars labeled with a GPS system, unless they are skilled at disabling them. A GPS system can track your vehicle and lead police to the location of your car after it has been stolen, if the thief doesn't disable it first.

 The technique of etching your vehicle's VIN number onto the glass is questionable. If a thief is planning on sending your car to the chop shop, disposing of the glass is an acceptable loss.

If you have invested a great deal of money in your vehicle, you will want to protect it. Making a trip to your local police station can provide you with a wealth of information on how to better protect your vehicle from thieves. An officer can provide you with a list of frequently stolen car models and a few tips on how to keep your car safe.

No product will keep every thief away, but an effective anti-theft device may discourage the criminal and increase the chances that your car will not be a target.