Top Stolen Cars in Wisconsin

Early this year, Wisconsin has experienced a spike of car theft incidents that were due in part of the cold temperature. It sounds absurd, but the local District 7 police saw a 43% increase in motor vehicle thefts and many of them were perpetrated by local students. Car theft trends According to the police, the students were lured by the fact that most of those cars were left running by their car owners. Because of the cold weather, local residents were trying to heat their cars, but in that split second they left their cars vulnerable to car theft. Shellee Lubus, a police officer in District 7 was quoted in JSOnline, a local newspaper stating, “Kids that have to walk to school, they’ll walk through the alleys. They’ll find somebody that’s got their car running left unattended. It’s just a quick, easy way to get to school. They’ll leave the car within a block or two of school. Really, the main reason it’s gone up that dramatically is that people are being lazy,” she said. Most popular stolen cars in Wisconsin In 2010 the National Insurance Crime Bureau released data that revealed the cars that were favoured by thieves in the local state; 2000 Dodge Caravan 1994 Honda Accord 1995 Honda Civic 1999 Dodge Intrepid 1994 Plymouth Voyager 1994 Chevrolet full-size pickup 1997 Ford Taurus 1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass/Supreme/Ciera 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix 1995 Toyota Camry   Car theft tips   Protect yourself from being a victim of car theft and instil a vigilant awareness about your car safety. Always remember to lock your cars at all times. Don’t leave...

South Carolina City Ranks Eight in Auto Theft Survey

It’s that time of the year for the annual National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) “Hot Spots” auto theft survey, and unfortunately Anderson, South Carolina has jumped from 33 to number 8 for this year’s list. Surprising news for Anderson residents Although nine vehicles were swiped from the local city of South Carolina, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office was a little bit surprised of their ranking when the survey was released early this week. Even with this news, the local police are feeling more confident with the new year, as they claim that there were far fewer car theft incidents compared to 2011. Car theft trends Car theft is truly a dangerous thing to experience, and even more of a nuisance once you’ve been a victim of this type of property crime. Did you know that most car theft occurs because car owners have been pretty careless with their cars? Most of the reported car theft incidents has been due to improperly locked cars and forgotten keys. Car theft prevention tips Car theft safety stems from common sense. It is essential that you consciously check your cars each time you leave it anywhere. Make sure that your car doors are locked. Never leave your car keys in its ignition and never leave any valuables behind. Help spread awareness in your city With this knowledge in hand, you can help keep your city safe by placing the copyright and trademark protected signs and designs on your property or in your area. You can also make custom sign donations to your local police department and they will disperse them to businesses and in parks...

Arkansas Motor Company Owes Car Safety Features for Car Retrieval

A Conway motor company can now release a sigh of relief after local police had successfully retrieved their stolen car. Potter Motors President Gary Potter almost lost 3000 worth of accessories and two cars when car thieves broke into his company. But as luck might have it, the cars were equipped with a GPS tracking device, and Potter successfully traced the location of the stolen vehicles. Car theft statistics in Arkansas The news story above is just one of the few car theft incidents that occur in Arkansas. With 5,544 reported car theft cases in 2010, the state has its fair share of car theft victims. Arkansas police has shared that car theft is usually a crime of opportunity. Wherein most motor vehicle theft incidents occurs because car owners have neglected to practice safety techniques with their cars. Car theft prevention tips It might not be a guarantee, but by instilling car theft prevention techniques you are giving your car a chance of safety. If you can afford it, you can make use of state of the art car safety add-ons, like a GPS tracking device or a locking system that can deter a thief, even if it would be for just a few more minutes. However, if money is tight, don’t worry, car safety can cost you nothing and can be as simple as following certain tips. Car safety can be as simple and basic as employing common sense. Remember to always lock your doors. Keep an eye on your belongings, and take them out of your car when you park. Take your keys from its ignition, and...

Car Theft Prevention Tips in Connecticut

Car theft in Connecticut might not be at its peak, but it’s still a recurring problem for local residents. From 7,461 car theft incidents in 2009, it has decreased to 6,707 in 2010. The motor vehicle theft reports might be lower compared to other states; however this doesn’t mean that Connecticut residents have been free of car theft incidents. Car theft in Connecticut Just recently, a local resident has been charged with second degree larceny. Fortunately the state police had successfully tracked his whereabouts and he was apprehended for his criminal act. It must have been the final straw in his luck, as it has been found that the suspect had eight outstanding arrest warrants for failure to appear in court. Car theft prevention tips To ease your mind and to help protect your cars, the Hartford police offered a series of car theft prevention tips: –          Close all windows lock all doors and take the keys with you.  In Connecticut, almost 25 percent of stolen vehicles had the keys in them. –          Never hide a second set of keys anywhere on or inside your vehicle.  Thieves often rummage through a car before taking it.  They WILL find a hidden key. –          Never leave your vehicle running, even if you will only be gone for a minute, or warming it up in your driveway; vehicles are commonly stolen at convenience stores, gas stations, driveways, and ATMs. –           Park in well-lighted areas.  Over 70 percent of vehicle thefts occur at night. –          Park in attended or heavy traffic lots. –          Do not become complacent because you drive an older-model vehicle.  Older...

Car Safety Tips in Nebraska

Nebraska has an average car theft rate of 197 for every 100, 000 cars. Though the numbers fluctuate every year, the state saw an increase of car theft incidents in 2010, whereas it experienced 3,614 car theft incidents, compared to just over 3,509 in 2009. The numbers might seem harmless, but don’t forget that auto theft appears in various forms. It’s a criminal act that can happen anywhere, and anytime. In the case of carjacking, it can happen in a blink of an eye. Safety first Just take this real life incident as a cautionary tale. A mother left her son in her car, while she went into a convenience store for a few minutes. In that short span of time, thieves had broken in and drove away with her car while her son was still inside. Although the car was not recovered, fortunately the little boy was released by the car thieves, 10 miles from the crime of origin. Protect yourself from car theft Incidents like this should help motivate us in keeping a rigid set of protection for our cars and our loved ones. The story above should serve as a glaring answer, on why we shouldn’t leave our kids or other loved ones with a running car. Car thieves are always on the lookout for cars that have lax security features and they are more than happy in taking advantage of this. The best car safety tips are basic in structure. Simple things like always locking your car doors, taking out your valuables and hiding your keys safely can make the world of difference in keeping your...

Auto Theft Prevention Program in Minnesota

How’s this for a slice of reality? Did you know that there are 23 cars stolen daily in Minnesota? In just over a year, there was a total of 8,400 reported car theft incidents in the local state. This amounted to a cumulative total of $21.3 million in stolen value. Upon hearing this, the Minnesota Department of Commerce has released $3.8 million to help combat this rising threat. “Every year, auto theft impacts the lives and finances of thousands of Minnesotans, and steals from wallets of every consumer in the form of higher insurance premiums,” said Commissioner Mike Rothman. What can you do to prevent auto theft? Auto theft can be a costly nuisance. Aside from missing property, you will be facing insurance claims and official proceedings to move forward with your case. Which is why, as much as possible, you should prioritize establishing a fluid and rigid safety measures for your cars. Technology can help deter auto theft If your budget can allow it, tracking devices such as GPS systems can help you especially in terms of recovering your car. With a built in GPS device, you will have a better chance of getting a location and a possible identification of suspected car thieves. Basic safety precaution However, if you can’t afford to install expensive gadgets for your cars, instilling basic safety precaution is the next best thing. Simple tips like taking your keys from its ignition, locking your doors and windows and removing valuable items from your cars can make a world of difference. Help spread awareness in your city With this knowledge in hand, you can...

Car Theft Incidents on the Rise in Hawaii

How safe is your car? It has been reported that West Hawaii has been experiencing a surge of auto theft incidents, in which six motor vehicles has been stolen in the span of two weeks. According to local police, the most popular targets are Honda sedans and Toyota Tacomas. This news isn’t that surprising since auto theft has been on the rise in Hawaii for the last two years. In 2010, there had been 5,100 reported car theft cases, an increase from the reported 4,857 in 2009. Tips to prevent auto theft Don’t be part of the car theft statistic and employ a stringent safety regiment when it comes to the safety of your car. Aside from buying helpful gadgets, like a GPS tracking system or a car alarm that can help deter a thief, you should also remember these simple basic tips. Take your keys from the ignition Did you know that 13% of stolen vehicles had its keys tucked in their ignition? Make sure to take away you car keys right after you’ve properly parked it. Lock you doors and windows It seems so basic; however, it’s one of the major slip ups that most car thieves take advantage of. Almost half of car theft cases was a result of improperly locked cars. Park in well lit areas Make sure that you seek parking spaces that has a lot of foot traffic. Try and asses your location, and pick parking spots that are well lit and has ample security. Don’t leave your car unattended Never, ever leave your car running unattended even for just a split second....

Defining Vehicle Theft in Alaska

Vehicle theft is defined as an act of driving, towing or taking of a property that is owned by another individual. For anyone who attempts this criminal act, they are liable to face heavy repercussions, as vehicle theft in the first degree is a class C felony in Alaska. Car theft rate in Alaska Alaska is fortunate enough to experience a relatively low rate of motor vehicle theft activities. With 2,618 car theft cases in 2001, the number has decreased to 1,619 in 2010. This is good news for the local residents; however the state isn’t exactly safe from car theft attempts. Incidents in Alaska Just recently there has been a reported car theft incident in Glacier Highway, whereas a Subaru station wagon was stolen. Although it was later retrieved by the local police, the cars’ seatbelts had been cut and damaged. Another one of note, although the crime of origin was a robbery spree, was of a man convicted of a series of house break-ins, and as a means to escape, stole his victim’s cars in the process. Prevent auto theft It’s best to remember that auto theft is a crime that can happen anywhere, and anytime. Being part of the safest state doesn’t equate to 100% protection.  Make sure that you remain vigilant when it comes to protecting your car. Don’t forget to lock your doors and windows. Take out your keys from its ignition whenever you leave it unattended. Take away your valuables, and make sure that you’re parked in a well lit space. Help spread awareness in your city With this knowledge in hand, you...

Texas Auto Theft Facts

With 163, 837 cases, the state of Texas experienced the highest recorded car theft cases in 1991. After more than a decade, the numbers had plummeted and in 2010 there were only 68, 220 reported cases, a 58% drop from previous years. Problematic auto theft cases It might have been a dramatic drop, but Texas still belongs to the list of states that has the most auto theft cases. In reality, a vehicle is stolen every 8 minutes. Just in 2010, the total cost of the stolen vehicles was more than half a million dollars. According to “Watch Your Car,” here are the top stolen vehicles in Texas in 2010: 1    Ford Pickup 2    Chevrolet Pickup 3    Dodge Pickup 4    Chevrolet Tahoe 5   Honda Civic 6    Honda Accord 7    GMC Pickup 8    Toyota Camry 9     Ford Taurus 10    Chevrolet Impala Help protect your cars There are thousands of cars that are stolen in Texas, and there are also a high number of car burglaries in the state. It might seem like a one in a million chance, but the truth is, property crimes can happen to anyone. Keep in mind that auto theft and car burglaries mostly hinge on opportunistic factors, like choosing poor parking locations and misplaced car keys. Make sure that you practice basic safety precaution. Simple things like taking out your keys from its ignition, hiding your valuables from view and locking your doors and windows can make a world of difference. Help spread awareness in your city With this knowledge in hand, you can help keep your city safe by placing the copyright and trademark protected...

Montana Ranks 45th in Car Theft Study

In a recent state-wide car theft study, Montana came in at 45th with a 1,748 car theft statistic score. It definitely pales in comparison to California with 242, 693 cases; as they unfortunately led the list that had the most car theft incidents in the United States. Auto theft is still prevalent in Montana Although the numbers are pretty low compared to other states, Montana still has their fair share of auto theft incidents. Just these past few months, there had been random reported car theft incidents around the local state. This month, a car was stolen from a used-car blowout sale. It turns out that the keys were haphazardly placed in the car’s visor that made it easier for the car thief to drive away with the car. Fortunately, a concerned citizen had reported the stolen car, and the suspect has been arrested. Another car theft incident occurred early this May; however this one resulted to a car theft chase. The suspect was believed to be the perpetrator of a series of car burglaries in the Missoula, Montana area. The suspect was identified as Steven S. McCann and was charged with 16 different cases of trespass to vehicles. How to protect yourself from auto theft Even if it seems like you live in a state that has a minimal reported car theft rate, this shouldn’t encourage you to leave your car in a vulnerable state. You should always employ stringent car safety measures at all times. Always remember to maintain a presence of mind about your whereabouts. Keep your doors and windows locked. Remove your keys from your...

Rhode Island Car Theft Rates

There’s a 1 in 39 chance that you might become a victim of a property crime in Rhode Island. With a population of 1,052,567, out of 1,000 residents, there are 2,399 reported car theft cases. To avoid a series of regrettable loss and nuisance, it’s a trend worth noting. Young criminals on the rise In two separate reports, the car theft was both attempted by students. Back in 2011, a college student was apprehended as an accomplice to a car theft incident. The suspect was identified as Zhengpeng Hu. He was charged with kidnapping after he allegedly stuffed a woman in a suitcase after tying her up. A few months ago, two teens were charged with possession of a stolen vehicle. They swiped the victim’s car keys that were lying in an Old Mountain Lanes table. After a short chase, Angelo Fraley and Alexander X. Blunt were arrested by the Narragansett Police. Car safety measures Did you know that most car theft suspects are known to be amateurs in the field? Most of them don’t have a set of rules when it comes to their mode of operation. This means that they will likely strike cars that they think are more vulnerable than most. These might range from owners that have left their windows open, or cars parked in an area that has no foot traffic or security in place. Car safety tips You can easily avoid being a car theft victim. Make sure that you check your car thoroughly before you leave it in a parking spot. Pick a location that has a lot of foot traffic. Take...

Car Theft Rates in South Dakota Fluctuates

From 589 car theft cases to 795 car theft incidents, South Dakota has its fair share of auto theft incidents. During the period of 1980 -2005, it has experienced fluctuating numbers, and had its peak of vehicle thefts during 1974- 1980. Car theft spree in Dakota Just last year, local officials had arrested three suspects that were responsible for a car theft spree in South Dakota. The suspects were identified as Christopher Zephier Jr & Derik LaFromboise, who were both 18 years of age. Christopher’s mother, Stella Zephier was cited as an accomplice to the crime. Protect yourself from being a car theft victim Even if you live in a neighbourhood that has fluctuating car theft incidents, this shouldn’t deter you from establishing safety measures for your car. It has been reported that car thefts are usually performed by amateurs, more so than professional car theft rings. With this in mind, careful safety precautions make it harder for them to steal your car. Hide. Lock. Take The first thing that you should remember about car safety is the location of your keys. Safely remove it from your ignition at all times, and take it with you when you leave. Lock your car windows and doors. Take all of your valuable items whenever you park your car in parking spaces. Help spread awareness in your city With this knowledge in hand, you can help keep your city safe by placing the copyright and trademark protected signs and designs on your property or in your area. You can also make custom sign donations to your local police department and they will disperse them...

Combating Auto Theft in Michigan

Good news for Michigan residents, auto theft numbers are down 9.35 percent from 2009 -2010. According to the Michigan Automobile Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA), car theft in Michigan has dropped 62 percent since 1986. Although these trends should be a source of relief, there are still 100 cars stolen locally each year. Technology and car security The popular targets by car thieves in Michigan are older models that were manufactured and released in the early 2000. Pickup trucks that were created by Dodge Ram, Chevrolet and Ford were among the favoured vehicles, mostly because they were believed to be easier to access than newer vehicles that have more elaborate security features. However, this might just be a temporary setback for thieves. For all the new security measures, there is the possibility that they might get around it, sooner or later. Setting basic security for your cars It doesn’t really matter if you own a newer model or an older version. It’s important to realize that most auto thefts are performed by amateurs, which means they depend on lapse of security measures and opportune locations. You can help protect your car by making sure to instil a routine check every time you leave it parked in a parking space. Start by taking out your keys from the ignition. Check each windows and doors, and make sure that they’re securely locked. Scan your car seats and floors, and take your important valuables. Help spread awareness in your city With this knowledge in hand, you can help keep your city safe by placing the copyright and trademark protected signs and designs on your...

Is Population a Factor in Nevada Car Theft Surge?

According to an NICB Annual Hot Spots Study, Nevada’s state wide auto theft rate rose from 26th per capita in the mid 1990s to first in 2006. Further, Nevada experienced a surge of car theft incidents when their state’s population grew in the years between 1990 and 2000. Fortunately, with the aid of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s VIPER Task Force, the numbers steadily declined, although car theft trends still remains a concern for the state of Nevada. State population and car theft statistics With the gap in ratio of residents and available jobs, it is not a surprise that the state experienced a higher percentage of crime activity. There may not be an accurate study that can link unemployment rate and crime rate in a state, as there are always varying factors that can aggravate or affect a certain crime trend. Nobel laureate Gary Becker has said it best when he stated that it is only but a normal reaction for impoverished families to turn to wayward means when honest work is not within their reach. How can you protect yourself from car theft? If you’re living in Nevada, or anywhere else, preventing car theft requires regular practice. No matter where you live, it is important to be vigilant and on guard. If you can afford it, make sure that your car comes with basic car security. There are various accessories that can help deter a car thief from stealing your car. Even if it means these things can only deter them for a while, at least there can be an opportunity for people to ask for help....

Arizona Experiences Lower Auto Theft Rates

After 10 years of being listed in the top percentile of cities and states with the highest auto theft crimes, Arizona has now plunged several places down, and it’s definitely not a bad thing. California and its several cities occupy most of the spots in the National Insurance Crime Bureau report. Follow Arizona’s lead If anything can be certain, it is that auto theft is a crime that will continue to be prevalent, especially when the economy is at its worst. If you’re one of the lucky ones that resides in a state that has a lower crime rate than most, it doesn’t guarantee that you are 100% safe from any auto theft attempts. Basic precaution is key A car is an expensive investment; most of them are probably paid through several instalments that take a chunk out of a modest salary. The expense and the basic need for a mode of transportation should be enough reasons to help you stay vigilant with your car’s security. Hiding your keys properly is one of the main things that you should remember. Never leave a spare key lying around your car. When you purchase your car, make sure that you take the time to familiarize yourself with each point of access. By knowing your car’s vulnerable spots, you will know which ones are necessary to be locked and secured. Help spread awareness in your city With this knowledge in hand, you can help keep your city safe by placing the copyright and trademark protected signs and designs on your property or in your area. You can also make custom sign donations to...

How a Double VIN Prompted a Car Dealer Search in Ohio

Buying a car is a serious decision, even if you’re just going to purchase a used car in a dealership. There are intricate things to consider and a wealth of details to sift through before you should hand over your cash to the checkout counter. A prime example of a cautionary tale is this recent article posted by the Springfield News-Sun, where a double VIN has prompted the local officials to conduct further investigation on the origin of the cars in their stable. The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Vehicle Theft Unit made a pit stop at Mershon’s World of Cars and seized two cars that had questionable documents. The owner, Dan Mershon vehemently denied any allegations that tied him to illegal activities, but the local officials remains resilient in conducting further investigations. Do you have a trustworthy car dealership? How do you go about in buying a car? Do you have a list of websites, or do you visit the local shops that you’ve found near your home? Before you go out on an expensive buying spree, it is very important that you conduct an overview of the store’s dealing history. If it is a used car, make sure that you know how to look over old documents, and that you bring a trusted mechanic to ensure a good purchase. Shady car dealerships and vehicle thefts Did you know that in every 25 seconds, one vehicle is being stolen in the United States? Most of the time, stolen cars are chopped into bits and pieces that are then resold through the retail market. Stop the vicious circle You can stop...

Stripped Cars on the Rise in Utah

Just think about this for a minute: according to a report posted by ABC 4 News, every 68 minutes, a car is stolen in Utah. Car theft has become such a normal occurrence in the state that no one is surprised that most of these stolen vehicles are stripped and resold for parts by thieves. Auto theft statistics in Utah Car theft investigator Kent Jorgensen is unfazed about the rising incidents, since according to a reported data, 16 cars are stolen every day, almost 6,000 a year just in Utah alone. The most popular cars that are usually eyed by thieves are Honda Accord, Honda Civic and the Acura Integra. Protect your car from thieves Did you know that it only took roughly 7 minutes for a car to be disassembled, as proven when ABC 4 News conducted a simulated car robbery? It is an alarming revelation, and something that you should consider every time you leave your car unattended on lengthy hours. Install a layer of protection to your cars The most effective thing you can do is to employ a layer of protection to your cars. Make sure that you always remember to take away your keys, and that you properly lock every space that a thief might consider as a point of entry. Install alarms and devices that will deter and delay a car robbery in progress. Help spread awareness in your city With this knowledge in hand, you can help keep your city safe by placing the copyright and trademark protected signs and designs on your property or in your area. You can also make custom...

Eliminate Auto Theft in Kansas

With the economy in crisis, it’s not a surprise that crime is on the rise. Since 1994, auto theft crimes have been a major concern for American citizens. It was reported that during that time, there were 1.5 million vehicles stolen that had an estimated value of nearly $7.6 billion. Enforcing H.E.A.T. in Kansas Due to these incidents, the local law enforcers in Kansas established a program that specifically targeted vehicle theft. In 1990, the Kansas Police Department created H.E.A.T (Help Eliminate Auto Theft). The program’s primary goal was to establish cooperation and community awareness between local law enforcers and residents by helping each other deter and detect any auto theft attempts within the local community. Even though auto theft still remains to be a cause of concern in Kansas, it has been noted that the incidents has decreased statistically since the program has started. Auto theft is a costly crime Aside from being a nuisance, it can’t be denied that being a victim of an auto theft can create a ripple of loss in your life. It is necessary to be vigilant when it comes to your personal properties. When you take the time to implement a rigid set of precaution for your car’s safety, you’ll get a decent chance of avoiding possible auto theft attempts. Help spread awareness in your city With this knowledge in hand, you can help keep your city safe by placing the copyright and trademark protected signs and designs on your property or in your area. You can also make custom sign donations to your local police department and they will disperse them to...

Tips to Avoid Car Theft in Massachusetts

Leaving your keys in the ignition can cause unimaginable horrors, just ask a local resident of Randolph, MA when he unwittingly left his car vulnerable and unsafe. A man stepped out for a Laundromat excursion, left his keys in his ignition and became the victim of an attempted auto theft. The car thief jumped into his car and sped through local streets, but the chase ended in Milton where he crashed into a tree that split the car in two. Massachusetts theft crimes Did you know that auto theft is one of the most common crimes in Massachusetts? As stated by William D. Kickham (Boston Criminal Attorney), auto theft “is defined and governed by a law that forbids receiving, stealing, buying, concealing or possessing a motor vehicle or trailer, which someone knew or had reason to know had been stolen.” In 2009, there had been a total of 11,735 listed cases of vehicle theft in the city. The numbers decreased from the years before, but it’s still something to mull over every time you leave your car vulnerable from possible auto crimes. Avoid being an auto theft victim Prevention is better than crying over stolen properties, which is why it is important to take precautions when it comes to your car. You can keep your car safe by employing simple strategies. Always remember to take out your keys whenever you leave your vehicle. Try and make sure that all areas of your car are closed. Avoid tempting burglars, by hiding and taking away important items like your phones and laptops from your car. Help spread awareness in your city...

Preventing Auto Theft in Washington

Back in 2009, auto theft has made quite an impact in the city of Redmond, WA. Due to its location and accessibility, the city has suffered numerous issues, and most especially vehicular thefts. With the help of local enforcements, they had made strides with their car theft prevention program. Washington auto theft statistics The Washington State Patrol shares an insight on the current car theft trend in the state of Washington: In Washington State . . . A car is stolen every 13 minutes. 106 cars are stolen every day. More vehicles have been stolen this year than any other year. Your car has a one in 179 chance of being stolen. Many stolen vehicles are used for other crimes. One out of five stolen cars are started with a key that was left in the car. Increase crime awareness Crime awareness is something that is almost always laid to the side, especially when it’s not something that is a current concern in our lives. But alas, crime incidents strikes when we least expect, which is why it is imperative that we are aware of the basic precaution when it comes to our safety. Help spread awareness in your city With this knowledge in hand, you can help keep your city safe by placing the copyright and trademark protected signs and designs on your property or in your area. You can also make custom sign donations to your local police department and they will disperse them to businesses and in parks and recreation areas. Hide Lock Take started as a proactive crime awareness program in Dallas. It has since become the...

Car Crimes on the Rise in California

Hide your things, lock your cars and take your keys. These three important reminders seemed to be all but lost to a bulk of California residents as it apparently has the highest rate of auto theft in 2010. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, a Chicago-based industry trade group, there were eight cities that were primarily located in California that was found on their list. If you’re living in California, and especially in places that topped the list such as Fresno (they had 8.1 vehicle thefts per 1,000 residents in 2010), you must be wondering if there are ways to help keep your car safe from any future car theft attempts. Don’t fret, from following a few simple tips and tricks, you can be rest assured of your car’s safety, and maybe you can even help promote crime awareness in your local city. Lock your cars The California Attorney General’s Office points out that most cars are stolen by amateurs, and by taking the necessary precaution you can increase your car’s protection. The first thing that you should remember is to keep your cars locked. Always make sure that every inch of your car is locked whenever you leave it unattended. Make sure that your car’s windows and trunks are locked as well. Hide your things It is important that before you leave, look around your car seats and check if there are any valuables that might incite a thief’s interest. Remove your cell phones, laptops and bags before you leave. Take your keys Never leave your car keys lying around, and especially in its ignition. Don’t write...