As you may have heard in the news, car thefts are up, in some parts of the country. Authorities are attributing the increase to a new social media challenge that encourages teens and young adults to break into certain vehicles and steal them. So how can you protect yourself from becoming a victim of car theft amid this new social media trend? Secure your car and take preventive measures to keep your car safe

Here are some suggestions to help keep your car safe:

• Invest in a lock for your steering wheel
• Lock doors and take your keys
• Don’t leave a spare key in your car
• Keep valuables out of sight
• If you have a USB wire or a charger in your car, hide it or take it with you (as criminals might use USB wires to jump-start vehicles)
• Close windows
• Park in well-lit areas
• Park in secure locations
• Install an alarm system and anti-theft device
• Install vehicle immobilizer system and/ or tracking system

This is the latest issue to create problems for you and I with our vehicles. This is critical information before you possibly become a victim and are forced to pay deductible money out of your pocket to file a claim for theft. We hope you find the above tips useful. If you have questions, feel free to contact our agency. We can be reached in numerous ways… TEXT or call 615.377.1212 or EMAIL us at info@BentonWhite.net. We’re here to help you and earn your business!

Thanks to Travelers Indemnity Company for parts of this material.