When you park your car on the street, a public parking lot, or in your yard consider taking some of these precautions.
- A top quality alarm system, proof against false alarms and strong enough to by-pass would be car thieves.
- A hidden, secondary ignition switch.
- A fuel shut off device that will shut down the engine if not deactivated.
- A jimmy proof bar that locks onto the steering wheel
- A canister that emits a mild tear gas (legal in most states) under the instrument panel if the lock is picked by a thief or unlocked with an illegal key.
- An electronic device that tracks the car if it is stolen.
- An immobilizer that you can use to disable the car's electrical system with from up to a quarter of a mile away if you see it being stolen.
Safety measure to take when you must leave your car unattended:
- Always lock your car doors.
- Never leave the car running or the key in the ignition.
- In public areas, leave your car as close to a store or office as possible.
- At night park in a well frequented place. Get an escort if possible. Many malls and shops have escorts to see you to your car.
- If you must leave your car for an extended period of time (at the airport for example) remove the rotor from your car. Have the dealer or a mechanic show you how.
- Make sure all windows and trunk is locked.
To protect from car-jacking when you are in your car:
- A tiny battery-operated burglar alarm that can be activated immediately by you when you are in the car.
- Pepper spray can be sprayed up to 20 feet at an intruder.
- A bullet proof shield can be slid up to protect the driver if he or she is threatened with a gun.
When driving in unfamiliar territory take these precautions:
- Know in advance where you are going. Keep maps in your car. Drive to a police station or other safe public place if you get lost and need to ask for directions.
- Do not stop to assist strangers, no matter how honest they appear to be. Call the police instead.
- If you break down place a white handkerchief on your aerial. Remain inside the car with your doors locked. If anyone approaches, roll down your window only an inch or two to communicate.
- Never pick up hitch-hikers.
- Avoid talking to anyone who starts asking you questions in a restaurant or any place you have to stop.
- Notify a family member or a friend when starting on a journey, keep in touch and have an emergency communication plan.
