VIN Etching Other Devices ORANGE COUNTY VIN’s or Vehicle Identification Numbers have been There are several GPS vehicle tracking devices placed on vehicles since 1969. One VIN has been available. These tracking devices are extremely SHERIFF engraved on a metal plate on the near the helpful in the quick recovery of the vehicle and . Others, depending on the manufacturer, arrest of the suspect. Some devices are a one time are placed in and on various parts of the vehicle. expense that is suprisingly inexpensive compared to the cost of the vehicle. When a is reported stolen, law enforcement agencies send this number to the FBI’s computerized Another system is the ignition disabler that disables National Crime Information Center. While the the starter when the engine is turned off. This can engine and transmission typically have VIN’s, a be activated by a code, a key, a toggle switch, or new program has been instituted to further protect a pressure pad. This device must be installed at a your vehicle from theft which is etching the VIN on qualified auto service shop. the windows utilizing a chemical process.

Auto theft investigators believe this is an excellent deterrent to professional thieves since they either But I was only away from my car for a minute! have to remove or replace the windows before Every day people leave their vehicles selling the car or its parts. unattended for short period of time and when they return, their vehicles are gone or have been burglarized. Collar Orange County Sheriff’s Office The collar is a metal alloy device that deters thieves Crime Prevention Unit from breaking the lower shift bowl of the column. 407-254-7106 AUTO THEFT/ The collar is a device that may be purchased at an Emergency 9-1-1 auto supply dealer. The collar is made for all vehicles AUTO BURGLARY: and may be installed by the purchaser. Non-Emergency 407-836-HELP (4357) Steer Wheel Locking Devices Don’t Let a Criminal Steering wheel locking devices are hardened steel Visit us online at Drive or Steal From rods that lock the steering wheel and prevent the www.ocso.com wheel from being turned more than a few degrees. Your Car Another steering wheel lock device that is less expensive is a bar or grid lock - an adjustable steel rod that hooks under the and locks to the steering wheel. The above items may be purchased at many auto supply dealers. 10-1461 (10/12) Florida ranks fourth in the nation for auto w Don’t leave enticing items visible. ENTERING/EXITING YOUR VEHICLE thefts. In fact, a vehicle is stolen every five w Keep your doors and windows locked. minutes in Florida. w Engrave your driver license number on your stereos, speakers, and cellular phones. w Plan your route. Be aware of your surroundings, Why do criminals steal ? w Etch the vehicle ID number on the windshield. as crooks prey on people who appear distracted. w High profit and low risk w Report any suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency. w Joyride w Avoid known trouble spots. If you sense danger, w Chop shop/parts/stereo equipment w For domestic and foreign resale NOTE: Citizens should contact their insurance trust your instincts and get to a populated area as companies for recommendations on other quickly as possible. preventative measures. Some insurance companies GENERAL RULES TO AVOID may offer a discount for specified alarm equipment. w Never overload your arms with package. AUTO THEFT/BURGLARY... CARJACKING w Allow room between your car and the one in How to Give a Thief a Hard Time A recent trend in auto theft is carjacking. Carjacking front of you so you can drive around it quickly w Always lock your car and remove the keys. is when a car is taken from a person either by force if you need to get away from a situation. or a threat of force. There is no guaranteed way of w Lock valuables in the trunk and don’t leave avoiding being carjacked, but there are some simple, w If your vehicle is bumped from behind and it personal identification or credit cards in your common-sense precautions you can incorporate into seems suspicious, motion to the driver to follow vehicle. your daily routine to increase your safety. you. Move at a slow but steady speed to the w Never leave your vehicle running while nearest well-lighted, well-populated area and unattended. (This is a violation of state law, Sec. Before You Enter Your Car immediately call law enforcement. 316.1975, F.S.S.) w Be alert of your surroundings. Have a plan of w action. Do not give a carjacker the opportunity Avoid going out alone after dark. w Install an anti-theft device that is highly to confront you. visible, hard to defeat, and that renders the car w Park in a well-lighted area close to the entrance undrivable. w Have your keys in your hand. of buildings. w Use an alarm or wheel lock device. w Make sure no one is hiding in or under your w Carry a large flashlight car. if you park in an area w Photocopy your vehicle registration and insurance papers and keep them in your wallet, that may be dark or not in the . If You’re Confronted deserted when you w Avoid verbal/physical confrontations. return. w Park in a garage, if possible, or choose a well lighted, heavily traveled area to park. w If controntation is unavoidable, cooperate and w Have keys in hand as do exactly as you are told. you approach your Don’t hide spare keys in the car. w w Avoid leaving in a car with a carjacker. Take car. Fumbling for the your chances right there instead of at some keys leaves you open w Always be observant for possible “carjackers” to attack. as you drive and while entering/exiting your remote secondary crime scene. vehicle. Your car horn is a good deterrent to w Don’t leave anything crime. w Once the criminals leave, walk or run away and call law enforcement immediately. Be worth stealing in plain w Record serial numbers of aftermarket stereo ready to give a description of your car and the view in your car. equipment. suspect(s).