ALARMS

 

Code Alarm is the only vehicle security company to produce all products according to strict vehicle manufacturer specifications. Code Alarm supply many of the world's leading auto manufacturers and retailers. In fact, many choose Code Alarm as their exclusive brand. To learn more about Code Alarm products and there complex line of accessories give FX Auto a call, or visit Code-Alarm's website at www.codl.com.

Securing Your Car and What’s In It
Theft of items from cars is on the rise – don’t be victimized

 Vehicle theft is on the decline nationwide, but that hasn’t stopped thieves. Instead of taking the car, they’re taking what’s in it and on it.

In 1996, nearly 1.4 million vehicles were stolen nationwide, the lowest total since 1987. Even so, car theft is booming: A motor vehicle was stolen every 23 seconds in the U.S. last year, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

More alarming is the increasing rate of stuff that’s being stolen from cars. Theft of contents from motor vehicles rose 8.6% in the past five years, the FBI reports, as thieves helped themselves to the increasing array of cell phones, car stereos, notebook computers and other electronic items left in cars. Another popular target: Air bags and other exterior accessories. In total, car thefts and break-ins cost consumers about $8.5 billion last year.

"Car thieves have gotten smarter," says Rand Mueller, chief executive officer and president of Madison Heights, Mich.-based Code-Alarm Inc. (OTC: CODL), the only U.S. manufacturer of aftermarket car alarms and remote keyless entry systems. "They know which alarms come as standard equipment from the factory and they know all of the weaknesses of aftermarket security devices like steering wheel locks and tracking systems. They choose their targets accordingly."

Mueller and other experts recommend the following measures to secure your car and what’s in it:

  • Layer your security. Using several layers of vehicle security will make your car more difficult to steal, notes the Palos Hills, Ill.-based National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). While the number of layers you use will depend on your vehicle, geography and budget, the NICB advocates common sense combined with one or more of the following: visible or audible deterrents, vehicle immobilizers or a tracking system.
  • Know what came with the car. While an increasing number of U.S.-made cars have factory-installed keyless entry systems, most merely allow you to lock and unlock the doors. Even upscale luxury cars with full security are typically "invasive" systems, which means the thief must open a door, trunk or hood to set it off. That doesn’t stop them from breaking a window and stealing contents, or even towing the entire vehicle away.

  • Don’t ignore "false" alarms. "The term false alarm is kind of a misnomer," says Code-Alarm CEO Mueller. Typically, thieves walk up to a car and smack a window or door. If the alarm goes off, they move on to another car in the vicinity. "If an alarm goes off in the neighborhood, and your car doesn’t have security system, I’d keep an eye on it for a while," Mueller advises.
  • Use common sense. Keep valuable objects out of sight and park in well-lit areas. Don’t leave a brand new BMW – or any new car – in an unfamiliar neighborhood. Always keep the doors locked and windows rolled up, even if you’re just running in for a few minutes.
  • Keep the car safe year ‘round. In 1996, January and July were the top two months when vehicles were stolen, according to the FBI Uniform Crime Reports. Theft of contents tends to climb in January, too, as thieves prey on recently given Christmas gifts. In other words: Car thieves don’t take vacations.
Using a vehicle anti-theft system can also save you money -- even if the car or its contents are never stolen. Fourteen of the top 20 American insurance companies offer discounts of between five and 35 percent to drivers who use vehicle security systems, according to the Arlington, Va.-based Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association. 

Call FX Auto & Accessories at (905) 471-7555 for more information.