Task Force offers tips to avoid becoming statistic

Have you ever bought groceries, walked out of the store and forget where you parked your car? After searching for at least 20-minutes you realize it was probably stolen.

This doesn't just happen at the store, it can happen anywhere.

The top ten most frequently stolen vehicles in 2006 for Southeast Texas are:

#1 Chevrolet Full Size Truck

#2 Ford Full Size Truck #3 Dodge Full Size Truck #4 Ford Taurus #5 Pontiac Grand Am #6 Honda Accord #7 Chevrolet Suburban #8 GMC Full Size Truck #9 Buick Lesabre

#10 Ford Explorer

You don't have to drive one of these vehicles to have yours stolen, it can happen to anyone.

Here are some steps you can take to prevent your car from being stolen.

Never leave your vehicle

unsecured.

+ Always lock your vehicle and take your keys.

+ Never leave your vehicle running and unattended Always park in well-lighted

areas.

+ Criminals hate light.

+ Silhouettes are almost impossible to identify.

+ Be familiar with your surroundings.

Keep all valuables and

packages out of sight.

+ These items will often encourage auto thieves.

Use auto theft deterrents.

+ Alarms (should have) + Built in kill switch + Lifetime warranty + Buy from a reputable dealer

+ Factory installed computer chips / keys

+ VIN Etching

+ Mylar Parts Stickers

+ Satellite Tracking Systems

+ Steering wheel / column devices: the club or lock jaw

Participate in the statewide

Help End Auto Theft

(H.E.A.T.) program.

+ H.E.A.T. is a statewide vehicle registration program that helps law enforcement officers identify stolen vehicles. It is designed to guard against night-time thefts.

+ H.E.A.T. provides window decals that authorize peace officers to stop the vehicle anywhere in Texas between 1 and 5 a.m. to determine if it is being driven by the owner or with the owner's permission.