CAR THEFT

TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE

Ottawa police say the following tips can help protect your vehicle from thieves:

• Park inside a garage if available (in Ottawa, no vehicle was stolen from inside a garage);
• Block your vehicle in tightly against a second less sought after vehicle;
• Use a steering wheel lock (i.e. “Club”) to deter thieves (keep in mind they can cut the steering wheel to remove it);
• Install an Engine Control Module (ECM) port lock;
• Install an after-market vehicle immobilizer and alarm;
• Install after-market tracking devices or “GPS” – many of these have the ability to “fence in your car” notifying the owner’s smart phone if the vehicle leaves the established perimeter;
• Install motion detection lights and exterior surveillance cameras at home – these can act as a deterrent;
• Keep in mind that thieves have returned to steal the replacement vehicle when a vehicle had been stolen, so remain vigilant;
• Neighbourhood watch is still the best defense – so please report any suspicious activity immediately to police at 613-236-1222.

Source: Sharp increase of Vehicle thefts in Ottawa – How to better protect your vehicle