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How to Prevent Motor Vehicle Theft


  • When you park your car, close the windows, lock the doors and take the key with you.
     

  • If you must leave a key with a parking attendant, leave only your vehicle's ignition key.
     

  • Install and use anti-theft devices, whether an alarm or a protective device like a club or a collar. Be sure to activate the device every time you leave your vehicle.
     

  • Park only in well-lighted areas near other vehicles.
     

  • Keep valuables out of sight, preferably locked away in the trunk.
     

  • Don't hide a spare key in a magnetic key box; thieves know all the hiding places.
     

  • At home, if possible, put your car away in a locked garage, or at least parked in the driveway.
     

  • If you have two cars and one of them is easy to break into, then park it in your driveway so it's blocked by the other car.
     

  • When you park your car, turn the front wheels to the left or right and put the emergency brake on. This locks the wheels, making it difficult for a thief to tow your car.

Source: Florida Attorney General's Office

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