NYPD Releases Tips To Prevent Auto Thefts

By Idy Perl

Officer Medrano from the NYPD 66th Precinct has illustrated a new list and of tips to help New Yorkers prevent their cars from getting stolen.

The illustrated flyer lists several ways drivers in NYC can ensure their car is safe at all times.

The NYPD has released a new list of tips to help New Yorkers prevent their cars from getting stolen. 

• Make sure your car has a hard-wired GPS tracker installed so it can be traced in the case of a theft. A hardwired GPS is usually hidden within the vehicle so thieves can’t disable it. Some modern vehicles already come with a hardwired GPS system, so find out if yours has one. 

• Always use a steering wheel lock when the car is parked. Besides making it physically harder to steal the car, many thieves will completely avoid a car with a steering wheel lock that they can see through the window and instead choose easier targets. 

• Every car has an OBD-II port that stores important information about the car and allows access to the vehicle’s computer, and that mechanics use to run tests and diagnostics on the car. The NYPD recommends getting an OBD-II blocker, which would prevent potential thieves from possibly bypassing the car’s immobilizer or reprogramming the key fobs.  

As always, make sure your car is locked at all times and stay vigilant!