Just as shoplifting is a hidden cost in the price of merchandise, car thefts contribute to the rising cost of owning an automobile.  More than two billion dollars a year are added to the costs of owning a car, in Canada and the United States, through higher insurance premiums.

The following information should provide helpful hints on how to protect your car from thieves.  You have probably seen advertisements about gadgets available to deter car thieves.  A determined car thief will not be stopped.  If he wants your car, he will find a way to get it.  However, anything that discourages a thief may cause him to reconsider.

Lock your car at all times and never leave your keys inside (or with the motor running).  Do not leave packages or other goods (cellular, lap top computer, etc.) on the seat or elsewhere in plain sight.  Place these in the trunk of your vehicle.

Have your car “ marked ” in both obvious and hidden places.  Contact your local Police station for the next date when you can have this done (Operation Auto-graphe).  Everything you can do to reduce car theft will help you control the cost of owning an automobile.  Remember that you are paying for the loss and damage through your insurance premiums.  Should you become victim of a car thief, here is a list of information you will be asked to provide about your vehicle:

• make, model, year and colour;
• vehicle identification number;
• licence number;
• peculiarities and secret markings;
• insurance company.

It would be advisable for every car owner to have these answers recorded and kept in a safe place.