A car is stolen every 20 seconds in the U.S. But with these tricks, yours won’t be one of them!

Instructions

• Step 1: Put opaque tape over your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Most are posted right on the dashboard, where a thief can read the code and use it to request a duplicate key, citing the VIN as proof of ownership.
• FACT: Most cars that are stolen in the U.S. are 10 years old or older.
• Step 2: Research shows that using an inexpensive steering wheel locking device or a steering column collar reduces the chances of your car becoming a target.
• Step 3: Many car thieves steal autos with a tow truck, so doing anything to make it look harder to tow—like turning your steering wheel to the right when you park, so the wheels are harder to move – can make a thief not want to bother with it.
• Step 4: Cover up or hide anything in your car that might make it a more tempting target, like expensive sunglasses, a fancy radar detector, or a CD player. Just these small items can make a thief choose your car over someone else’s.
• TIP: Be extra careful on weekends. Friday and Saturdays are the most common days for car theft.
• Step 5: Lock it up and take the keys. It may sound obvious, but half of stolen cars are unlocked, and one out of five actually had the keys in them.