The Chicago Police Department 23rd District Auto Safety Program wants local residents to know how to avoid having their cars stolen, and how to avoid having high insurance rates for the neighborhood. Here are some useful tips.
Q: What are the top three stolen cars in the 23rd District?
A: Saturns, Hondas, Toyotas, plus a big mix of other autos. These cars are generally stolen with duplicate or "jiggler" keys. Jiggler keys are those used in a specific type of car; they can be "jiggled" until it starts the car. This is similar to how locks are "picked."
Defenses to "jigglers" include: Steering column collars, steering wheel locks, fuel cutoff mechanisms, ignition kill switches.
Q: What do thieves hate?
A: Thieves hate attention. Attention can be brought to a thief in many ways. Increase the time to steal or break into a car. Install theft deterrent locks (that is, tapered door locks that prevent thieves from using hangers to open doors). Use car alarms. Use a vehicle-tracking device. Call 911 for suspicious persons or activity. Make sure your doors are locked. Park in well-lit areas.
Other preventative measures include:
Never, never, never leave your car running unattended, even for a short time to run into a store or home or fueling up! Plus, it’s against the law.
Never leave objects in plain view (change, phone chargers, purses, briefcases, laptops, etc.).
City Sticker theft is a major problem. Cut small fine lines in your City Sticker using a razor blade to deter theft. This should be done after the sticker is placed on the windshield.
Attend CAPS Beat Meetings so you can be updated on what’s going on in your community.
Q: Why should I care, if I’m insured?
A: Because it ends up coming out of your pocket. Every stolen car or claim of stolen property raises insurance premiums. When an insurer asks for a zip code, it’s to determine the likelihood your car will be stolen or broken into. Work to make your community the lowest insurance premium area in Chicagoland.
For more information, call the 23rd District Community Policing Office at (312) 744-0064 or email 23Districtehotline@chicagopolice.org. |
