(NUI) - Here is a quick quiz that may save you lots of money and headaches.
Question: What is the most direct cause of car theft in the United States?
Answer: Leaving your keys in the car and going away.
"Yes, people actually invite car thieves that way," says Tom Malone, vice president, audiovox corporation, a leading distributor of automobile security devices. "In the summer they make it nice and cool for the thief by leaving the motor running, the air conditioner on and sometimes even the door unlocked. In the winter it's the same with the heater."
Question: Who steals most of the cars that are stolen?
Answer: The joy-riding kids.
Question: Once the simple habit of taking one's keys and locking one's car is mastered, what other ordinary precautions may be required to keep thieves at bay?
Answer: Says Malone: "There are nonalarm deterrent devices that may discourage a small-time thief, but can be defeated in minutes by a pro with a can of Teflon spray or a bolt cutter that snips off the steering wheel. Alarm devices work more certainly."
Question: What will it cost me?
Answer: "Alarm devices are on the market from about $99 up to $700+ depending on how valuable the car that's being protected," Malone says.
Based on the car's value alone, here is a selection of appropriate security systems and their approximate price:
$0 to $10,000 car: An electronic, voice response alarm that goes off when the car is seriously pushed or jarred, or a break-in is attempted. Cost: $99.
$10,000 to $25,000 car: Add a door locking and unlocking system, a remote panic switch that sets off alarms from a distance, a parking lot flasher that can be activated to locate your vehicle in a large, crowded lot.
$25,000 to $50,000+ car: "Now you can add the highest technology to defeat the pros," says Malone, "including a code-hopping device that changes your enabling code after each use to foil thieves who electronically grab security codes to steal the cars they have their eye on."
For additional information on theft deterrents, call toll-free, 1-800-645-7750.
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