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Community Corner

On the Town: Be Careful of Car Theft

While hot-wiring a car may be exciting in movies, it’s no fun in reality…if your car is stolen.

Actually, the film, “Gone in 60 Seconds,” is inaccurate.  According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Uniform Crime Reports, a motor vehicle theft takes place in the United States every 44 seconds.

Why your car is stolen is relatively unimportant.  It could be for spare parts, or to be sold in its entirety in a foreign country, or simply for a joyride.  What’s relevant is that it happens a lot, so be on guard.

Here are few tips to prevent such theft:

• Roll up your windows and lock your vehicle after exiting it.

• Don’t leave valuables in plain sight in the vehicle.

• Park your car in your garage, driveway, or a well-lit area.

• Don’t leave your car running and unattended.

• Do not hide a spare key inside or outside the vehicle.

• Consider having your VIN etched onto the car windows. Or, engrave the VIN on your trunk and hood.

• Consider having Lojack installed in your engine. That way, the police can track the location of your stolen car and retrieve it.

• Don’t keep such important documentation as registration, title or personal information in your glove compartment.  Better to keep copies in your wallet.

• Keep your car and house keys separate, in case you need to give your keys to a valet.

On Long Island in the Town of Hempstead, motor vehicles are a necessity.  Don’t make it any easier for car thieves to function.  Be careful, while you enjoy your summer.

Anthony J. Santino is the Hempstead Senior Town Councilman representing Councilmatic District Four.  Those in need of his assistance or service may contract him directly at 516-812-3200 or via e-mail at asantino@tohmail.org.

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