Avoid becoming a car theft victim

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - There are ways to avoid having your car stolen. Norfolk police have offered several tips on ways to avoid becoming a victim.

According to Norfolk police, vehicles have a lesser chance of being stolen when drivers do, or don't do the most basic things, that lure car thieves.

Norfolk Auto Squad Investigators tell WAVY.com 83 percent of vehicles are recovered-above the national average.

In the City of Norfolk, from October of last year to March of this year, there has been a 20 percent increase of autos stolen with keys.

AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM WITH THESE SIMPLES STEPS:

• ATV'S, Moped's, Scooter's and Mini Bikes, do not require registration, so there is no record at DMV that they exist.
• You must retain all paper work from these vehicles for the police to get the serial number
• Use an electric scriber to engrave a separate identifying number. The model number is not an individual identifier of your vehicle. You may use your Social Security number or "T" number from your driver's license to scribe on the aforementioned vehicle types.
• Use anti theft deterrents to protect your vehicle
• Secure license plates with theft deterrent screws
• Keep all packages and purses out of the visible/seating areas of vehicles and secure in trunk
• Remove all electronic adapters and apparatus that support items such as mobile phones, GPS units, iPods, power cords, etc.

LOCK IT UP:

• Please LOCK your car
• Do not leave keys inside vehicles
• Never leave your vehicle engine running and vehicle unlocked, for what you may think is short trip inside your home or convenience store.
• Close vehicle windows

WATCH YOUR NEIGHBOR'S BACK/CALL THE POLICE: Police say neighbors often witness activity that seems suspicious, but will not call 911 or notify their neighbor, for fear that they may be overreacting or "bothering the police."

• Make sure your house's address is posted and visible from the city street. This helps the police find you faster.
• At home keep your vehicle in a well lit area if you do not have access to a garage.
• Call 911 if you see or believe someone is behaving strangely or tampering in some way with a vehicle.
• Vintage autos' from the 80's are now popular for thieves to steal for parts.
• A tow truck that is not properly identified with name, number and address of tow business on both sides of the tow truck, may be someone attempting to steal a vehicle. A tow truck without this information is in violation of Norfolk City code and 911 should be called if the tow truck has hitched and transported a vehicle. Get license plate number.