OPERATION SUPPORT

Community Relations Section - Make Your Car Tough to Steal!

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM	CRIME FREE MINI STORAGE	BLOCK PARTY/STREET CLOSURE	CHILD & SCHOOL SAFETY
CRIME FREE MULTI-HOUSING PROJECT	CITIZEN'S ACADEMY	EXPLORER'S POST	SAFETY TIPS
IDENTITY THEFT & FRAUD	MAKE YOUR CAR TOUGH TO STEAL	NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH	RESIDENTIAL SECURITY SURVEY

Make Your Car Tough to Steal! Most importantly, BE ALERT – if you see someone or something that looks suspicious, call the police. To register for the Watch Your Car Program, or to find out about our next VIN Etching event, contact the Peoria Police Department’s Community Relations Section at (623) 773-7099.

Arizona was recently named the #1 state for auto theft – that is the bad news! The good news is, you can take steps to ensure you don’t become part of these statistics.

The Peoria Police Department, in conjunction with the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority, recommends these four layers of protection - the more you have, the tougher it is for a bad guy to steal your car:

Layer 1: Common Sense Tips Lock your car – half of all vehicles stolen are left unlocked Take your keys – nearly 20% of all vehicles stolen have the keys in them Park in well-lighted areas – car thefts occur at night more than half the time Park in attended lots – car thieves do not like witnesses Don’t leave your car running, even for a minute – convenience stores, gas stations, and ATMs are common hunting grounds for thieves. Completely close your car windows Do not leave valuables in plain sight Do not hide a spare set of keys in the car – pros know where to look Park with wheels turned toward the curb Always use your emergency brake when parking If you have a garage, use it – and when you do, lock both the car and the garage door

Layer 2: Visible and Audible Deterrents Audible Alarms Steering wheel locks Steering column collars Tire/Wheel locks Park with wheels turned toward the curb Window Etching – etch vehicle identification number (VIN) on vehicle windows Theft deterrent decals – such as the AATA’s Watch Your Car Program

Layer 3: Vehicle Immobilizers Smart Keys Fuse cut-offs Kill switches Starter, ignition, and fuel disablers High security locks and keys

Layer 4: Tracking Systems A vehicle tracking system is a high-tech device designed to be hidden in your vehicle in order to emit a signal that the police can monitor if you report a theft.