Technology Curbs Local Car Thefts
Auto thefts dropped in the Inland Empire in 2010, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
The Riverside, San Bernardio and Ontario area dropped four spots to number 21 nationally, just ahead of Los Angeles.
Still, 8 of the top 10 cities for auto thefts are in California, according to the NICS.
Lau Pielaat knows how important a good anti-theft device is. He had his car stolen back in the 80’s and now has a tracking system inside his current vehicle.
“Within a few feet I knew exactly where the Ford Expedition was, what time it was moved last and the speed it was going,” said Pielaat, a Cathedral City resident.
Pielaat uses the CarTrack system.
Multi-feature protect systems are quickly becoming the standard.
OnStar is now standard for many Cadillac and GMC’s. Live operators can help find and disable a stolen vehicle.
Dealers say the features are a big draw.
“There are many people who will never own another car unless it has OnStar in it. It’s just the comfort of knowing you have people with you,” says Steve Moore, sales executive at Jessup Auto Plaza in Cathedral City.
Another safety feature auto repairs shops suggest are keyless entries.
The vehicle will detect the key, unlock the doors and allow the user to start the car.
Older model Honda’s and Toyota’s have long been the target for thieves because they could start them so easy.
“Most manufactures are using a microchip in the key. If it doesn’t recognize that microchip it won’t start. Even though you have a screwdriver in there it will not start,” said Eddie Luna
According to Luna, some manufactures also equip vehicles with two alarms if the is vehicle a hot target for car thieves. Pielaat wants to make sure his sons future car isn’t one of those targets.
“Right now he’s at that age where he wants something that looks fancy without taking into consideration what is a desirable or least desirable car on the black market right now,'” said Pielaat.
Anti-theft devices don’t just help keep cars safe but, can also save drivers money. Many insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles with safety features.
