Following the lead of the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the National Vehicle Identification Program recommends a system of layered security in protecting your vehicle from being stolen. The "layered approach" involves taking several safety precautions.

Always lock your vehicle and take the keys. Over 25% of all stolen vehicles had the keys left in the vehicle.

Don’t hide spare keys in or under the vehicle. They can be easily found.

Never leave the registration or insurance cards in the vehicle. Thieves will be able to provide legitimate documents when stopped by the police.

Always park in well-lighted areas and be familiar with your surroundings. Most vehicles are stolen at night.

Keep all valuables and packages out of sight. Leaving valuables in plain view provides a tempting target for car thieves.

Use vehicle IDstickers to deter thefts and automatically register your vehicle in The Nation's Neighborhood Watch For Stolen Vehicles in the event that it is stolen.

Use anti-theft devices.

Anti-theft devices are not foolproof, but they can stop the amateur and slow down the professional.

Thieves will select vehicles without anti-theft devices over vehicles with them, as it takes longer to steal a car with an anti-theft device and may attract more attention. Anti-theft devices include those listed in the next column.

First Layer

Door Locks: Always use them.

Second Layer

VIN Etching: Permanently marking your windows with your vehicle identification number will require car thieves to replace your windows and thus makes your car less attractive to steal.

Plate Locking Screws: Tamperproof license plate locking screws make it challenging for car thieves to remove license plates from targetd vehicles.

Alarm Systems: While somewhat controversial in urban areas due to so many false alarms, in vigilant communities these devices can be very effective. These systems contain a device that will activate a siren, lights, or horn if the car is tampered with. Consider a backup power source for the alarm, as professionals could deactivate the alarm if they get to the power source. Keys or code numbers to the alarm should never be given to parking lot attendants or valets.

Crook Lock: This lock is a long metal bar that has a hook on each end to lock the steering wheel to the brake pedal.

Armored Collar: This equipment consists of a metal shield that locks around the steering column and covers the ignition, the starter rods, and the steering wheel interlock rod.

Third Layer

Fuel Switch: This device stops the fuel supply.

Kill Switch: The car will not start unless a hidden switch is activated. The switch prevents electrical current from reaching the coil or carburetor. You should check your warranty before installing one of these switches. Some warranties prohibit installation of these devices, and doing so will nullify the warranty.

Fourth Layer

Tracking Systems: Using Global Positioning Technology police can track your vehicle when instructed. Older tracking systems such as Lojack are still very effective as well.