With car theft up across the country and the  being the time most cars are stolen, the question becomes, what can you do to keep your car from being stolen?

Logic would dictate you lock your car. After that what can you do?

The answer lies in a combination of theft prevention and immobilization devices and tracking/recovery systems. This as reported by marketwatch.com.

Common Sense

• Never leave keys in the vehicle with the engine running.
• Don't hide a spare key in the vehicle.
• Close all windows and lock all doors when leaving your vehicle.
• Park in a well-lit area and, when at home, keep your vehicle in the garage.
• Don't leave valuables visible in your car, particularly those items that include information on your identity.
• Don't program your home address in your GPS system under "home" as it could lead thieves right to your house, where they could potentially enter it through a garage door opener in the car. Program your home address under a general destination.

Theft Prevention Products

A thief may be less inclined to steal your car if it has visible and audible warning devices like a wheel lock or alarm system.

Smart keys, kill switches and fuel cut-off devices also offer another means of protection. While the professionals can often disable these devices, they do offer another means of deterrence.

Tracking and Recovery System

There is no stopping the most professional of thieves who, despite all your precautions can disarm theft prevention. Recovery systems provide the peace of mind that you'll get your car in the event it is stolen.

These units are directly integrated with and used by law enforcement and are hidden somewhere in the vehicle.

What is your plan of protection? I believe 16 hour theft classes at a young age will deter some from stealing cars, but the public needs to be aware of how to keep their valuable asset safe.