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 Auto Theft

 

The Department of Public Safety offers the following Services to help prevent Auto Theft:

Combat Auto Theft- FREE- Owner registers vehicle with the NYPD.  Car is not operated between 1 AM & 5 AM. Decals are affixed to rear side windows of registered vehicle. Police can stop a registered vehicle if it is being operated between those hours.

Commuter C.A.T.- FREE- GOAL: Reduce theft of automobiles parked during the day by commuters. Local vehicle will be parked during business hours (10AM to 4PM). Owner signs waiver giving the police the right to stop the vehicle if it is operated during those hours. Decals are similar to C.A.T. stickers with the addition of black stripes stickers. 

H.E.A.T.- FREE- (HELP END AUTO THEFT) Majority of persons arrested for auto theft were under 25 years old. Owners register vehicle in local precinct. Owner must be over 40 years old. Owner signs waiver stating that persons under 25 years old does not use auto. Police have the right to stop the auto anytime a person apparently under the age of 25 is operating it. 

Auto V.I.N. Glass Etching- FREE-The auto’s vehicle identification number is etched onto all the auto’s class. Serves to deter theft and trace the stolen part. Save up to 15% off your comprehensive insurance.

“The Club” &“The Cover”- Discounted- High visibility, tough to defeat, unbeatable protection, installs in seconds, tempered steel, self locking, police recommended. It is highly recommended that you use The Club & the Cover together. The Cover protects the airbag  & prevents your steering wheel from being cut and The Club defeated.

For more information please call Crime Prevention Office @ 212-854-8513

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 Preventing Auto Theft

       A vehicle is stolen every 25 seconds in the United States. Follow these tips to help keep your vehicle safe:

  • Remove your keys from the ignition after every use.
  • Lock your vehicle, no matter where you are.
  • If you must leave your key with a parking attendant, leave only your vehicle's ignition key. Do not leave anything attached to it with your name and address.
  • Keep your vehicle keys separate from your house keys.
  • Do not park your vehicle in an isolated area where there are few passers-by.
  • Always park in secured lots that are well lit and near high traffic areas.
  • Always have your keys ready before you reach the car.
  • Always look under and around your vehicle before approaching it.
  • Check the back seat of your vehicle before entering it and immediately lock the door behind you.
  • Copy your tag number and vehicle identification number on a card, and keep it with your driver's license.
  • Write your driver's license number on a business card, and drop it down the window slot to serve as identification, in case the VIN is removed.
  • Keep your vehicle registration with you when driving, but do not leave it in the car.
  • Engrave your driver's license number and state on valuable components such as stereos and cellular phones.
  • Etch the vehicle identification number onto your vehicle windows to deter thieves and aid in recovery.
  • Consider the use of second layer anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks and window etchings.
  • Keep your garage door opener with you at all times. If your vehicle is stolen, the thief may attempt to get into your home.
  • Park with your front wheels turned sharply, this will make your vehicle more difficult to tow away.
  • Remove valuables from the vehicle and place them out of view in the trunk.
  • If you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station, or populated area, and honk your vehicle's horn.
  • Always drive with your doors locked and your windows rolled up.
  • Be suspicious of anyone approaching your vehicle, whether passing out leaflets or asking for donations.


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         Carjacking Attempts

A carjacking can happen anytime a thief sees the opportunity.

Learning to recognize the warning signs can help you protect yourself and your vehicle.

  • Be ware of intersections, parking garages or lots, self-serve gas stations and car washes, ATMs, highway exit and entry ramps, and any other place where you might slow down or stop.
  • If you are rear-ended, check your surroundings before getting out of the car. If the situation makes you feel uneasy, write a description of the vehicle and the tag number, and signal the car to follow you to the nearest police station or populated area. If you do get out of the car, take your keys and wallet or purse, and stay alert.
  • If you are involved in a carjacking, do not argue. Your vehicle is always worth far less than your life. Leave the area as soon as possible and report the incident to the police. Remember details of the carjacker's appearance, such as age, sex, race, hair and eye color, clothing, and identifying features such as scars.

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  Automotive Breakdowns

It is a commonly known fact that vehicles can and do breakdown. Follow these tips to ensure your safety.

  • Check your car's tires, oil, and belts. Proper maintenance is essential to preventing breakdowns.
  • If your insurance does not include a roadside assistance endorsement, consider joining an automobile association that offers roadside assistance to its members.
  • Purchase a cellular phone, which will allow you to call for assistance without leaving your car.
  • Make sure you know how to change a tire, and check your spare.
  • Plan your route ahead of time, and let someone know where you are going.
  • Pack a survival kit with flares, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, bottled water, an extra quart of oil, radiator fluid, a blanket, and road atlas.

As always, report suspicious activity to Public Safety RIGHT AWAY! @ The Morningside Campus 854-5555 or 99 on campus. @ The Medical Center Campus 305-8100 or 5-7979 on campus.

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