What Is Theft Prevention?
What Is Theft Prevention?
West Grand Neighborhood Organization
By Esteban Moreno, ATPA VIN Technician
A criminal act in which property belonging to another is taken without that person's consent.
The term theft is sometimes used synonymously with Larceny. Theft, however, is actually a broader term, encompassing many forms of deceitful taking of property, including swindling, Embezzlement, and False Pretenses. Some states categorize all these offenses under a single statutory crime of theft.
The term prevention is the act or practice of stopping something bad from happening : the act of preventing something.
As an ATPA (Auto Theft Prevention Authority) VIN Technician, it is my job to insure we all understand Theft Prevention. Prevention of auto theft, is quite easy to accomplish. There are steps we can repeatedly follow to create muscle memory. These steps are listed in the best possible order when parking your vehicle. This also includes personal safety.
Park in well lit areas, or keep your driveway lit.
Check your surroundings before exiting. (look for out of place or unfamiliar issues)
Make sure there are no valuables visible or extra keys left in the vehicle.
Exit the vehicle and lock the doors. Secure your keys.
Once inside double check locking your vehicle and arming the factory installed theft prevention. Keep the outside lights on at night.
Things to remember in case your vehicle is stolen.
Confirm that it is stolen and not taken by someone you know.
Call the police and have all proper documentation ready.
They will need the color, year, make, model, registration, and vehicle identifier number (VIN).
Were the keys with the vehicle.
Any suspect information to include a thorough description.
Direction of travel if known.
Let’s be safe out there and take care of each other. Call in any suspicious activity or persons. The police are there to help and get your property back.
For any further questions regarding vehicle theft prevention call West Grand Neighborhood Organization at 616-451-0150 or e-mail the West Grand Neighborhood Organization ATPA VIN Technicians at ATPA@westgrand.org another great way to protect your vehicle from Auto Theft is getting your car VIN Etched. Appointments for VIN Etching can be made for weekdays between 8:30 AM-10 AM FREE by going to the following link: Make an Appointment Now!
Funds for this program are provided by the Michigan Auto Theft Prevention Authority.