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11 ways to protect your vehicle from thieves

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Ranked 8th in the nation for auto thefts, tens of thousands of vehicles are stolen in metro Detroit every year.

And if it seems like the police aren’t doing enough to recover the stolen cars, some people are turning to social media for help. A new Facebook Group, thousands of members strong, is helping to get results in metro Detroit.

Jennifer Ann Wilson has the story Tuesday on 7 Action News at 6.

But to avoid getting your car stolen all together, here are 11 things you should do.

1. Obvious, we know, but it has to be said LOCK YOUR CAR.
2. Park your car in a garage or carport
3. Park in a well-lit area to deter criminals – when possible
4. Don’t keep valuables in your car, including a purse that is visible
5. Don’t leave your car while “running in”
6. Don’t leave your vehicle title in the car
7. On an incline, leave your car in park or in gear with the wheels turned toward the curb or some other obstruction. Makes it harder for thieves to tow your vehicle.
8. DON’T count on the factory/manufacturer security system. No matter the auto company - they are regularly bypassed by thieves.
9. DO invest in additional third party security systems. Though it won’t help if your key is cloned, it will deter others.
10. Use a steering wheel lock device like the club.
11. Use lug nut locks

Anyone who sees a theft can report it to H.E.A.T at 1-800-242-HEAT or their website is www.miheat.org/