Anti-Theft Systems: A Great Safety Feature Or Just Hype?
Auto theft continues to be a problem in our society with many owners finding a vacant spot where their car used to be. There are a number of new anti-theft systems that can help deter crime, but are they worth it?
Here are some eye-popping statistics on auto thefts in the United States. According to the FBI, the total value of stolen motor vehicles in a given year can add up to more than $5 billion.
Toyota owners, here’s what you want to pay attention to: The Toyota Camry and Toyota Corolla are high targets for auto theft. Many times these thieves are after Camry parts.
One popular method is anti-theft systems. But are they worth the investment?
The answer is more complex than just yes or no. If you want to protect your vehicle, you need to take a layered approach. By this, we mean that you need to use a few of the security tips below. This will help to ensure that your Toyota is protected.
- Use Your Factory Installed Alarm – Using your factory-installed Toyota car alarm is your first and best line of defense. In most cases, this will be enough to protect your car.
- Consider VIN Etching – If you’re unfamiliar with VIN etching, it involves etching the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the windshield and other parts of your car. This prevents thieves from stealing and selling your car for parts.
- Tracking Systems – In case your car is stolen, you can track your car via radio frequency or GPS. LoJack is a popular provider.
Now to answer the question: Are anti-theft systems great or just hype?
The answer is GREAT. They’re a great first line of defense. Quite often, thieves are looking for the most convenient way to make a profit. Leaving your car exposed like parking in a dimly light area with visible, pricey accessories is a sure way to attract them. Also, don’t forget to lock your doors. That’s perhaps the most important thing that you can do to protect your vehicle.
In the end, the easier you make it to steal something the better. While anti-theft systems can deter some crime, the best protection is often simply the appearance of such a system. That makes them worth it.
