How can I keep my car clean?

How can I keep my car from being stolen again?

• My car has been stolen twice in the last few months (first time was found, 2nd time: still waiting). The car was also broken into once within the last 8 months (steering column taken apart, but no damage done). I am looking for ideas on how to keep this from happening, as it's getting REALLY old to be paying for a car I can't drive and insurance rates are going to start going up if I can't stop this from happening. Yes, I realize I could move, but that doesn't protect me from it happening and is not really an option right now. So, mainly looking for multiple layers of security type ideas. Thanks in advance. More info: Looks like I'll be getting a new car, so not sure if the make/model matter much because I would like ideas about how to keep any car from being attractive to thieves or saboteurs (at this point, one must wonder), but I had a 99 Honda Civic, which I'm told are easy to break into and Civics since 2002/2003 have a known exploit fixed. Each of the 3 break-ins to the car happened in a gated, controlled access lot that is guarded all night long --which unfortunately, I don't think matters because most guards aren't going to notice someone who they assume is just getting into their car, when it takes thieves all of 60 seconds to pop the lock. The weird thing is that while there was no damage done to the window, seal, ignition, nor steering column, the thieves only took the battery and did not steal parts, etc --it was found. Here are the ideas I have so far as far as protecting the next car (or the 99 civic *if* it's found again), but not sure on feasibility or cost of some, so if you have any input on these, feel free to share: 1. install 'the club' (i know there are mixed opinions on this, but looking for multi-layers of defense) 2. Add a Lo-Jack sticker in driver's window. 3. Hidden fuel cut-ff switch (any idea how difficult this is to do, or might cost?) 4. Wheel locks (not sure 1.how these work, 2.effort involved) Any other ideas?

• Answer:

  Most thefts are crimes of opportunity. A simple club would be enough to send the thief to a different car. If the club isn't a deterent, then nothing really would be. The thief may not see a LoJack sticker so it may not help. Wheel locks (not locking lug nuts) are a pain. I assume you mean wheel as in tire/wheel. Will you consistently put it on? Expensive also. For a fuel cut-off switch, all you would need to do would be to put a switch in the circuit to the fuel pump and find a fairly hidden spot for the switch. Very cheap for you to do if you can (~$10). Probably $100 or more for a shop to do it. Another option: Cheap alarm - a one-wire hookup alarm that costs anywhere from $25-100. You can do it yourself and would at least wake up the guard on duty. "One wire car alarm" should get you what you want in Google.