Top 10 Safety Tips To Keep a Car Thief from Ruining Your Summer; Auto Club Says, ``Don't be a Victim''

    LOS ANGELES--July 10, 2001--With stolen car statistics on the rise in the Southland, the Automobile Club of Southern California is advising motorists to take some simple precautions.
    "In the summer, and while we're vacationing, we tend to focus on enjoying ourselves rather than being keenly aware of our surroundings, and that makes us more vulnerable to car thieves," said Dave Cavano, the Auto Club's manager of auto purchasing services. "We need to stay alert to prevent thefts."
    Several car models, including Honda Accords and Civics, Toyota Camrys and Chevy trucks are especially attractive to car thieves for their resale parts or even joy rides, according to Cavano.
    The Auto Club's top 10 tips to help prevent vehicle theft are:

--	Always lock your vehicle.
--	Always utilize anti-theft devices.
--	Always park your vehicle in a well-lighted area at night.
--	Always make sure you receive the title certificate when purchasing a used vehicle so you have proof of ownership.
--	Never leave your keys in your vehicle, even at a gas station.
--	Never hide a spare ignition key in the vehicle.
--	If the vehicle you purchased wasn't equipped with an alarm, have an audible alarm system installed.
--	When possible, park your vehicle in a secure garage.
--	Beware of your surroundings prior to leaving your vehicle.
--	Use caution if your vehicle appears on lists of most stolen vehicles.