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posted by transport blogs
@ 11:12 AM
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Carjackers threaten armed violence, or worse. But you can help protect yourself and your car by taking some simple precautions.
- Before getting into your car, pay attention to your surroundings and be alert to nearby activity
- Always approach your car with your keys in hand
- Always check the back seat before opening your car door
- Make sure doors you left locked are still locked when you return
- If someone is loitering near your car, don't approach it
- Once you're in your car, keep your doors and windows locked
- Carry a cellular phone and know your emergency numbers - Non emergency (703) 385-7924, Emergencies 911 and #77 for Virginia State Police
- Avoid high-crime areas, especially after dark
- Be wary of people who approach your vehicle to ask for directions or change, or to hand out flyers
- When stopped in traffic, leave enough distance from the car in front of you to pull away quickly if necessary
- Stop only at ATM's that are well-lighted and visible from the street - pull as close as possible, then check your mirrors and look outside before opening your window
- If an armed carjacker confronts you, don't resist - get out of your car quickly; it's better to lose your car than your life.
Labels: Protect Your Car
posted by transport blogs
@ 12:29 AM
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- Call the police immediately and provide a complete description of the vehicle and any property taken from it, including a stolen license plate. Vehicles should be described by: year, make, model, color(s), VIN, insurance company and policy number, license plate number and state, and name of any tracking and locator system installed in the vehicle. Property should be described by type, make, model, serial number, and fair market value. (It is important to report all vehicle crimes to the SDPD even if the loss is small and you are not planning to file an insurance claim. This enables the Department to assess the magnitude and nature of the problem and assign prevention, patrol, and enforcement assets accordingly.)
- Etch your driver's license number on all removable valuable items, e.g., audio equipment. Also etch the number on various places on the vehicle itself.
- Don't leave your driver's license in the vehicle.
- Keep a record of the VIN, license plate number, and insurance information in your wallet or purse. Also be able to provide the information listed above for any property that might be stolen from the vehicle.
- Don't leave your vehicle title (pink slip) in the vehicle.
- Install a vehicle tracking and location system that can be activated after the vehicle is reported as stolen.
Labels: Recovering a Stolen Vehicle
posted by transport blogs
@ 10:54 PM
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posted by transport blogs
@ 11:41 PM
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posted by transport blogs
@ 3:31 AM
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Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) are serial numbers for vehicles that are used to differentiate similar makes and models. Similar to social security numbers, every vehicle has a unique VIN. VIN plates are located on the dashboard and can be viewed through the windshield. Law enforcement agencies use VINs to determine if a vehicle has an active theft record.
Types of VIN Scams
- VIN Switch : Thieves use VIN switching to disguise the identity of a stolen vehicle. They will replace the VIN on a stolen vehicle with a VIN that is not recorded as stolen. The thief will then try to resell the stolen car to an unsuspecting customer. Some VIN switchers will also create fraudulent titles and registrations to go along with the vehicle.
- Salvage Switch : A vehicle that is extensively damaged, burned, or stripped, and determined not to be eligible for repair is called "salvaged." Thieves use phony identification to buy a salvaged vehicle just to obtain the title and the VIN. Then, they go out and steal a car that is the same make and model, and switch the VIN plates. The thieves then claim that the stolen car is in fact the salvaged one that is rebuilt, register the vehicle using the phony identification information, and then resell it to an innocent purchaser.
- Strip and Run : This is another scam that thieves use to disguise a stolen car. In this situation, a car thief steals a car, strips it for the parts, then abandons it. Eventually, police recover the vehicle and cancel the theft record. The thieves purchase the vehicle's frame at an insurance or police auto auction and then re-attach the parts they stole from the car, resulting in a car that is no longer listed as stolen.
Labels: VIN Numbers
posted by transport blogs
@ 5:29 AM
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The Long Beach Police Department reminds the public to take some extra precautions in reducing the chances of becoming a victim of auto theft. Park carefully. Park in well lighted areas whenever possible. Turn your wheels toward the curb. If you park in an attended lot or valet park, leave the ignition/door key only. If possible, park your car in a lot where you do not have to leave your keys. Do not leave your car in an unattended lot for an extended period of time. If your car is rear-wheel drive, back into the driveway or parking space, otherwise park front end first. Always use your emergency brake. Park in a garage whenever possible and lock the car and garage doors. Never leave your car running, even if you will only be gone for a short time. Lock the car doors and take the keys with you even if you are making a "quick stop". Roll the windows up all the way and secure the vent or wind wing windows. Lock the trunk or tailgate. Remove valuables such as cell phones, stereos, gifts and lock them in the trunk. Never leave a hidden key on your vehicle. Never leave an I.D. tag on your key ring. If your keys are lost or stolen it could help a thief locate your car or burglarize your home. Use anti-theft devices such as an Ignition kill switch, Fuel kill switch, Steering Wheel lock, Floorboard lock, Gearshift lock, tire/wheel lock, hood lock, Armored collar around the steering column, Alarm system or a vehicle tracking device such as Lojack or Telatrac.
posted by transport blogs
@ 2:51 AM
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