No matter how many security devices you’ve got installed inside or on your vehicle, they’re generally rendered useless if you leave the key to your car inside your car. Unfortunately, many car owners are making it a little too easy for the thief to accomplish his task; hiding a spare in a key box somewhere on the car in a “predictable” location, putting an extra ignition key under the front floor mat or in the document pouch of your visor. Car thieves know all of the best places to hide a key, so even if you think it’s ingenious to hide a key inside a full filthy ash tray, think again. It’s been done. A thief doesn’t care if his fingers get any dirtier than they already are.

Protect your car keys at all costs - they should be as dear to you as your cash and your credit cards. Don’t leave your car keys sitting on top of your desk, or on the table at the restaurant, or toss them casually into your purse or even leave them dangling from a hook next to your pantry door - thieves don’t have a moral code, and will think nothing of entering your private domain. It only takes a split second for someone - and a car thief could be anyone - to snag those keys while your back is turned or you’re attending to nature’s call.

Bear this in mind, car theft is often a simple crime of opportunity, and showing careless disregard for your keys is akin to holding your key ring out to a thief and saying, “Here you go! Give her premium when you fill the tank!” Treat your keys like the precious commodity that they are.