And the Other 76 Percent Should Be Careful Too!

Here's a warning from the Howard County police department:

The Howard County Police Department is alerting owners of Honda Civics and Acura Integras
manufactured before 2001 of a recent vehicle theft trend affecting these models. Nearly 24
percent of all vehicles stolen in Howard County this year were one of these two models.

These cars are more vulnerable to theft because models manufactured before 2001 do not offer ignition immobilizer theft-deterrent systems, which require a properly coded ignition key be used for the engine to start. If an improperly coded key or other device is used, the engine’s startingcircuit is disabled.

Also, owners of these types of cars often add after-market equipment, which can be valued in the thousands of dollars. This makes these vehicles even more appealing.
Protecting vehicles with anti-theft devices is a proven way to deter car thieves. Effective devices include steering wheel and column locks, electric security systems, fuel cut off switches, vehicle identification number (VIN) glass etching and GPS recovery systems. Drivers also can
participate in the “Watch Your Car” program, which provides decals for owners to voluntarily
display on their vehicles to alert police that their car is not normally driven between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. Civic and Integra owners should park in a locked garage if one is available. If not, police recommend blocking the vehicle in the driveway with another vehicle.

The police department and the Maryland/DC Anti-Car Theft Committee will host a free VIN
etching event April 21 at the Kings Contrivance Village Center in Columbia from 9 a.m. to 1
p.m. Drivers will also be able to enroll in the “Watch Your Car” program at the event. For more
information, visit the police department’s Web site at www.HCPD.org.