Vehicle Theft Prevention Measures Encouraged; Pa. Auto Theft Prevention Authority Says `Watch Your Car' During National Night Out

    MECHANICSBURG, Pa., Aug. 2 Pennsylvanians in many
communities are preparing night-time neighborhood activities for Tuesday, Aug.
7, as part of an annual anti-crime campaign organized by the National
Association of Town Watch -- the 18th Annual National Night Out.  The
Pennsylvania Auto Theft Prevention Authority today suggested that people spend
some of this time in, on or around their own vehicles.
    "At least," said Frank A. Kuehn, secretary of the Authority's board of
directors, "if you can during Night Out activities, keep an eye on your car
and consider ways you can better protect it.  Your vehicle is one of your
biggest personal investments.  Simple precautions can make a big difference in
discouraging thieves from stealing it."
    Motor vehicle thefts have declined significantly in the Commonwealth since
1994.  Nevertheless, July and August are typically busy months for car
thieves.
    Here are some tips for protecting your vehicle at home:

   -- Lock your car, take the keys, even if the car is in a garage - and lock
   the garage, too.
   -- Out on the street, park in well-lit areas, with the windows closed and
   the vehicle's front wheels turned toward the curb to discourage
   unauthorized towing.
   -- Don't tempt thieves by leaving valuables in plain sight within the
   vehicle.
   -- Never leave the registration card or title in the car.
   -- Use anti-theft devices, for example, steering wheel locks or brake
   pedal locks.
   -- Have your vehicle ID number (VIN) etched onto the car's windows.
   (Watch for free VIN etching events offered by the Authority, local police
   and district attorney's offices.)

    For a copy of the Authority's brochure, "50 Ways to Help Stop Auto Theft,"
Pennsylvanians can call toll free: 1-888-777-ATPA (2872) or visit the
Authority's Web site at http://www.watchyourcar.org.
    For more information on National Night Out, call 1-610-649-7055 or visit
the National Association of Town Watch's Web site at
http://www.nationaltownwatch.org.

               Click here