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According to the N.I.C.B. (National Insurance Crime
Bureau), the top 10 most stolen vehicles stolen in the
state of Florida in 2006 are ranked as:
 1991
Toyota Camry
1994
Honda Accord
2000
Honda Civic
1994
Dodge Caravan
1997
Ford 150 Series
2004
Dodge Ram Pickup
1996
Ford Taurus
1996
Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
2006
Toyota Corolla
1996
Ford Explorer
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While there is no
foolproof way to safeguard a vehicle against theft,
there are many “no cost” deterrents owners can use to
protect themselves and their automobiles. For example, a
thief’s greatest enemy is time. The more difficult your
vehicle is to steal, the longer it takes to be stolen.
The longer it takes, the more likely it is that the
thief will move on to an easier target.
Here are some tips
to help protect you and your vehicle:
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Don’t become
complacent because you drive an older-model vehicle.
Older cars can be resold quickly or stripped for parts.
A vehicle’s parts are worth two to three times the value
of the car. |
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Close all windows, lock all doors and
take the keys with you. |
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Never hide a second set of keys anywhere
on your vehicle. Thieves know all the hiding places.
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Never leave your vehicle running, even if
you will only be gone for a minute; vehicles are
commonly stolen at convenience stores, gas stations and
ATMs. |
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Park in well-lighted areas. |
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Use your garage;
lock both the vehicle and the garage. Locking both doors
greatly reduces the chance of theft. |
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Keep your garage
door opener with you. The thief may attempt to get into
your house. |
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Don’t leave your original registration or
title in your car. File the title at home in a safe
place and carry your registration in your purse or
wallet. |
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Park in attended lots. Thieves don’t like
witnesses. |
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Park your vehicle with wheels turned
toward the curb, even when parking in driveways and
parking lots. This makes your vehicle difficult to tow.
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Put all packages and
personal items out of sight. Items left in the open make
your vehicle a more desirable target. |
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During 2006 there
were 149 auto thefts that occurred within the City
limits of Winter Haven. The Winter Haven Police
Department Crime Prevention Unit also offers 2 important
types of auto theft prevention programs for vehicle
owners. |
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C.A.T. (Combat Auto Theft) Decal – this
is a voluntary automobile decal registration program for
vehicle owners not utilizing their vehicle between 1 am
and 5 am. This authorizes law enforcement officers
to make investigative stops of registered vehicles
between those hours. |
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V.I.N. (Vehicle
Identification Number) Etching - this is a program
designed to make it unprofitable and impractical for a
thief to steal your car.
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To learn more about these “free” auto
theft prevention programs, please contact the Winter
Haven Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at
291-5858 ext. 2247 or visit us at
www.mywinterhavenpd.com |
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Amanda Miller
Crime Prevention Specialist
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Crime Prevention Tips
Holiday Safety Tips
Fighting
Back Against Identify Theft
Reporting Crime Information
Deterring Auto Theft
Memorial Day
Vacation Travel Trips
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