H.E.A.T - Help Eliminate Auto Theft

Prevention Against Car Theft

There is nothing convenient about having your car stolen. Sadly the incidence of reported motor vehicle crime is rising in Queensland.

The following statistics highlight the serious nature of motor vehicle crime in Queensland. During 1995 between 1,000 and 2,000 motor vehicles were stolen each month. In the past five years over 90,000 motor vehicles were reported stolen.

The cost of motor vehicle crime effects the whole community.

What Trauma Does Car Theft Cause to the Community?

• There is more trauma to motor vehicle crime than the obvious problems caused by having your vehicle stolen.

• Stolen vehicles are used to commit serious criminal offences and are involved in fatal traffic accidents.

• Consider how you would feel if police were to seize your newly purchased motor vehicle because it had been stolen!

Who Is Responsible For Stealing Motor Vehicles?

Did you know there are two general types of motor vehicle thieves,

1. THE OPPORTUNIST CAR THIEF

2. THE PROFESSIONAL CAR THIEF

In order to combat theft by these persons you may need to adopt or combine different preventative strategies.

How Can You Protect Your Motor Vehicle From The Opportunist Car Thief?

The opportunist car thief wants your motor vehicle as a means of transport. By adopting the following strategies you can reduce the opportunity for crime and decrease the chances of your motor vehicle being stolen.

Always lock doors and close windows when your motor vehicle is unattended.

• Install an effective anti-theft device.
  
• Park your motor vehicle off the street, preferably in your yard or at a staffed parking centre.
  
• If parking your motor vehicle on the street, select a well lit area.
  
• If you must leave valuables in your motor vehicle keep them out of sight.
  
• Secure your motor vehicle key when not in use.

How Can You Protect Your Vehicle From The Professional Car Thief?

The professional car thief wants your motor vehicle for profit, and either strips it for parts or alters the vehicle identification number (VIN) and chassis number to avoid detection when the motor vehicle is sold.

The following can reduce the opportunity for crime and assist in protecting your motor vehicle from the professional car thief.

• Have the vehicle identification number (VIN) etched onto major glass components of motor vehicle.
  (A vehicle VIN is the only permanent identifier.)

• Install an effective anti-theft device such as

• fuel/ignition cut-out switch
  
• an ignition shield
  
• a visible locking device
  
• a battery isolator

Preventing Crime Is 'A Community Responsibility'

All of the security measures mentioned in this brochure are aimed at deterring or increasing the time and effort a car thief must take to steal your motor vehicle. As a member of the community your active participation in reporting suspicious or criminal activity will result in making everyone's car more secure.

How Can You Assist The Queensland Police Service To Reduce Motor Vehicle Crime?

If you can provide information which will assist police to

• RECOVER STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLES
  
• ARREST CAR THIEVES
  
• IDENTIFY PREMISES HOUSING STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLES

then call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

When Buying A Motor Vehicle

The following points should be considered:

• If you do not know the person selling the motor vehicle ask to see some identification.
  
• Be cautious if the motor vehicle is unregistered. Find out the previous registration number.
  
• Inquire into the registration history of the vehicle.
  
• When paying for a motor vehicle use a cheque.