Whether parked at the mall or in your driveway, your car can become at risk for theft. Make your car a less appealing target and more of a challenge to potential thieves so that they will keep moving on.

Here are four tips Rum River is passing on to vehicle owners from the National Insurance Crime Bureau that can help protect your vehicle:

  1. Common sense -- Always remove your key from the ignition, roll up the windows completely and lock the doors. Don't leave spare keys in the car or hide them outside because a thief knows where to find them. Park in well-lit areas with a lot of foot traffic, such as the end of a row and near a light. Avoid leaving your car in public lots for a long time. If you park in a lot that has an attendant, just give them the ignition key. Keep valuables out of sight. Purses, wallets, cell phones, clothes, and even change are attractive targets.
  2. Visible and audible devices -- Consider having your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched into your windows. It makes your car less attractive to a thief who wants to send your car to a chop shop. A steering wheel lock is highly visible and will deter some thieves. Loud alarms can alert you and others that your vehicle is being tampered with. However, be careful in approaching your car if your alarm does go off.
  3. Immobilizing devices -- They actually shut off your car's electrical or fuel supply. A thief is unable to drive your car away unless they find a key or know where the hidden switch is located.
  4. Tracking devices -- Tracking device is now available that allows police to track your car for a quicker recovery.

Tip to Remember: Observe what's going on; get descriptions of suspicious people and vehicles, including license plate numbers. If you catch a thief in the act, don't approach the person but call 911. Your safety is more important than the car.

Looking for a trustworthy auto shop? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about vehicle safety and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto center has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN and Zimmerman, MN.

The Rum River Auto Shop would like vehicle owners to consider these four tips to help keep your car safe from theft. When needing a full-service auto center.

Whether parked at the mall or in your driveway, your car can become at risk for theft. Make your car a less appealing target and more of a challenge to potential thieves so that they will keep moving on.

Here are four tips Rum River is passing on to vehicle owners from the National Insurance Crime Bureau that can help protect your vehicle:

  1. Common sense -- Always remove your key from the ignition, roll up the windows completely and lock the doors. Don't leave spare keys in the car or hide them outside because a thief knows where to find them. Park in well-lit areas with a lot of foot traffic, such as the end of a row and near a light. Avoid leaving your car in public lots for a long time. If you park in a lot that has an attendant, just give them the ignition key. Keep valuables out of sight. Purses, wallets, cell phones, clothes, and even change are attractive targets.
  2. Visible and audible devices -- Consider having your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched into your windows. It makes your car less attractive to a thief who wants to send your car to a chop shop. A steering wheel lock is highly visible and will deter some thieves. Loud alarms can alert you and others that your vehicle is being tampered with. However, be careful in approaching your car if your alarm does go off.
  3. Immobilizing devices -- They actually shut off your car's electrical or fuel supply. A thief is unable to drive your car away unless they find a key or know where the hidden switch is located.
  4. Tracking devices -- Tracking device is now available that allows police to track your car for a quicker recovery.

Tip to Remember: Observe what's going on; get descriptions of suspicious people and vehicles, including license plate numbers. If you catch a thief in the act, don't approach the person but call 911. Your safety is more important than the car.

Looking for a trustworthy auto shop? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about vehicle safety and to schedule an appointment. Since 1997, our auto center has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN and Zimmerman, MN.

Troy Minske