1. Always keep your keys and lock your car. Though this seems like an obvious tip, many people ignore it. One out of every five stolen cars are taken with the keys in it! Half of all cars stolen are left unlocked. Don't leave spare keys in your car or in a magnetic box attached to the underside of your car. Thieves know where all the "hiding places" are. Also, never leave your car doors unlocked, even if your car is parked in your driveway. Thieves take the time to check for unlocked doors and keys, factors that just make their job easier.

2. Make sure your car doesn't run without you. Never leave your keys in the ignition even for a quick errand. car theft is a crime of opportunity, so don't make it easy for them to grab yours.

3. Park in well-lit, attended areas. Whenever possible, park in lots and garages that have security and/or parking lot attendants. If not, don't park in the farthest corner of the lot, but rather near the entrance of these facilities to insure the most foot traffic. Also, opt for paying the extra couple of dollars for the monitored parking lot instead of using the free parking on the less-trafficked side streets.

4. Keep your car's windows and sunroofs completely closed. Don't encourage a thief by providing an obvious entrance to your car. If you leave your sunroof partially open or the window down a crack, you've given a thief a helping hand. Even a small opening in a window can provide enough room for thieves to work their way in.

5. Avoid leaving valuables in your car, especially in visible areas. Don't tempt car thieves. Keep valuables out of plain sight. Take them with you, store them in the trunk, or leave them at home. Also, if you have a stereo with a removable face plate, take it with you instead of tucking it away in the glovebox.

6. Use car theft prevention devices. car alarms help deter theft and vandalism. If a thief does succeed in getting into your car, steering wheel locks, protective steering columns, and car-disabling locks for the ignition, fuel, and other systems make it more difficult for thieves.

7. One last thing I want to point out is to keep your registration and insurance information with you and never leave personal information in your car. I had a friend that once had her car broken into and the thieves then drove to her address, broke into her house and then stole several valuable items... talking about double trouble!