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LA Auto Club: Don't Let an Auto Thief Ruin Your Summer

    LOS ANGELES--July 16, 2003--With Toyotas the most frequently stolen vehicle in the state, the Automobile Club of Southern California is advising motorists to take some simple precautions to keep a car thief from ruining their summer.
    "At home and while we're vacationing during the summer, 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 auto purchasing manager. "We need to stay alert to prevent car thefts."
    Several car models, including Toyota Camrys, Honda Accords, Honda Civics and Chevrolet trucks are especially attractive to car thieves for their re-sale parts or joy rides, according to Cavano.

    The Auto Club's top 10 tips to prevent vehicle theft are:

-- Always lock your vehicle.
-- Use anti-theft devices.
-- 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 a hidden "locator" or telematics-type tracking device 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.

    The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest AAA affiliate, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by the organization's roadside assistance service, insurance products and services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services, and highway and transportation safety programs. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.