How can you keep from getting your car boosted? As a counselor for both in class and online theft classes I often have students in my class who have had their cars stolen. I also have had a number of students who have stolen a car.

Safety Tips for Your Vehicle

Fortunately, the NHTSA reports that the number of auto thefts reported each year is on the decline. So what can you do to ensure that thieves won't target your vehicular pride and joy? Start by correcting bad habits, such as leaving the keys in the ignition when the vehicle is unattended. Keep the windows and sunroof closed, and don't hide a spare key where an astute crook might find it.

If you have a garage, park inside it, not merely out on the driveway, and make sure both entry doors are closed and locked at all times. If you park on the street, choose a spot close to other vehicles, turn your wheels toward the curb and engage the emergency brake to make it more difficult to be towed. Away from home, park in a well-lit or well-traveled area after dark, and avoid using long-term parking lots–take a taxi to the airport instead.

Experts also advise having your car or truck's vehicle identification number (often called a "VIN," it's found on the driver's side of the dashboard at the bottom of the windshield, as well as on the model's title) etched on the windshield and major components to make them more difficult for chop shops to sell as replacement parts.

Remember “The Club”

Back in the 80s when it seemed like everyone was out to boost your ride, most of us had “The Club” or a “Gorilla Grip.” What a pain in the butt, but a pretty good deterrent. I had one on my 1977 AMC Pacer. That was optimistic.

Beyond the common-sense basics, use an antitheft device, which will often also warrant a discount on your car insurance. A steering-wheel lock like the popular "Club" is simple, inexpensive and can be as effective as costlier alarm systems.

A thief wants to get a vehicle as quickly as possible, and anything that might slow him or her down can be enough of a deterrent to instead choose another model on the block. Having a simple ignition "kill switch" installed in a hidden location makes it more difficult for a crook to start a car or truck and drive it away.

Advanced vehicle recovery devices like LoJack and General Motors' OnStar system use technology similar to that employed in satellite navigation systems to help police departments locate cars and trucks if they are stolen. They can be pricey and require a monthly subscription, but if you own an expensive high-profile car, the cost is usually warranted.

Here’s to keeping your car safe. Stop theft before it happens – take precautions.