Lock Out Auto Theft

• Anti-theft devices don't work - Passive immobilizers are effective and cost efficient
• Immobilizers are too expensive - The theft will cost you more... do you want to take the chance?
• Insurance will cover it - Who pays the deductible, what about the inconvenience? What about the cost of increased insurance coverage for everyone?
• It doesn't happen here - It happens everywhere including White Rock
• It is the police's job to protect our property - The police can't be everywhere all the time... it's everyone's responsibility
• My car is old, nobody would want it - Thieves don't care, as long as it runs
• My car's not worth anything - What would it cost you to replace it?

Beware of “Hot” Used Vehicle Deals

• Ask the seller for references regarding the past financing and insurance on the vehicle. Verify the information with the bank, finance company or agent.
• Be cautious of a seller with no fixed address, telephone number or place of employment.
• Be sure the vehicle identification number (VIN) plate is present on the vehicle's dash.
• Be suspicious of any deal which seems to good to be true.
• Be wary of a fresh coat of paint on a newer vehicle. This may indicate an attempt to hide the vehicle's identity or a collision.
• Beware of a loose dashboard.
• Check the date on the top line of the registration to see how long the seller has owned the vehicle.
• Check the inspection and license plate stickers to be sure they are current.
• An excessively loose ignition switch may indicate tampering. Check the switch for chisel or pull marks.
• If the seller provides you with only reproduced keys for a newer model vehicle, be suspicious.
• If the VIN plate is scratched, bent or missing rivets, tampering may have occurred.
• The title and registration of the vehicle should be in the name and the address of the person selling the vehicle. You can ask to see the sellers driver's license.
• The VIN on the dash must match the VIN on the registration, and the federal safety inspection sticker on the driver's door.
• VIN plates may be removed and replaced with one from a similar wrecked vehicle. If in doubt about a plates authenticity check with a new car dealer who handles the same model or contact your local police.

More Information

For more information visit ICBC or contact your local police. Search vehicles by VIN on the Canadian Police Information Centre.

• As you approach your car, look around, inside, and even underneath the car to check if anyone is hiding. If you are suspicious, walk to a safe place and call for help
• Back your vehicle into the parking space so that you are facing "out" when you get in or out of your vehicle. This gives you a better view of your surroundings and allows you to drive away more quickly if you are being approached by a stranger
• Before you leave the car, look around carefully to see if there are any suspicious activities or people lurking about. Report suspicious behaviour to the parking lot attendant, security or the police
• Have the keys ready to unlock the door as you get near the vehicle and only unlock it once you are at the vehicle
• Keep your registration and garage door opener with you and do not hide spare keys in your vehicle
• Keep your valuables, including brief cases, purses, money or loose change, electronics (laptops, GPS) and anything with your name or address on it, secure and out of sight. Lock them in the trunk before you arrive at your destination if you have to leave them in the car
• Make a plan ahead of time of what you would do in the event of an attack or if you felt threatened, noting the nearest safe exit route
• Once you are inside your car, lock the doors, turn on your headlights, and leave; don't sit in the car doing other things
• Park as close as possible to your destination, in a highly visible and well-lit area. Avoid parking near shrubbery or on garage levels that are empty or rarely used

• After opening an automatic gate to underground parking, watch out for thieves waiting to slip inside. Wait for the gate to close behind you. Apartment Managers or Strata Councils may contact local Police or ICBC to obtain free signs for parking areas advising residents how to lock out crime and 'Wait for the Gate to Close'.
• Avoid parking behind fences or hedges and park in a well-lit area near pedestrian traffic.
• Engrave your stereo and other onboard valuables with your driver's license number.
• If you see any suspicious person or activity near a vehicle, call the police immediately.
• If you're vehicle will be left unattended for an extended length of time consider removing the electronic ignition fuse, coil wire or rotor distributor to disable your vehicle.
• Install a locking fuel cap.
• Invest in a good anti-theft device. Such as a club (steering wheel lock) an alarm, or a kill-switch device on the ignition or fuel system. (Immobilizer).
• Items you cannot take with you should be placed out of sight or put into the trunk before you park at that location.
• Keep your registration papers in you trunk, your wallet or secure it in another location. Do not keep it in the glove compartment. Place a piece of paper over your address and signature then photocopy. Then if your vehicle is stolen the thieves can't steal the car and go directly to your home.
• Keep your spare keys in your wallet not in your car.
• Lock all doors and roll-up windows, even if you are running into the store for a brief moment. It takes only seconds to break in.
• Never leave the vehicle running unattended at ATMs, convenience stores, gas stations or warming up in the driveway.
• Remove all property from your vehicle before you leave. This includes CDs, cell phones, purses, wallets, clothing, and bags and garage door openers.
• Remove your keys from the ignition even if you will only be away from your car for a few seconds.
• When at home, park inside a garage whenever possible or use motion lights on your driveway at night.