Teen Smarts
TEEN SMARTS
A Quick Read To Keep You Safe
And Your Vehicle Secure
Presented to you by LoJack Corporation
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Job One:
Be Smart Behind The Wheel ........................................... 2
As Auto Thieves Are Cashing In,
Your Family Is Paying The Price .................................... 4
With Organized Crime Fueling Auto Theft,
You Need To Outsmart The Professionals ................. 5
Common Cars Are Commonly Stolen,
Your Family May Own A Target For Theft ................... 7
Wherever You Live, Whenever You Travel,
You Need Vehicle Theft Protection ............................... 9
With Common Sense And The Right Products,
You Can Keep Your Family’s Car Safe
From Thieves .......................................................................11
Important Information ...................................................... 15
Since this booklet may contain private information regarding your
vehicle(s), it is recommended that you place it in a secure location.
To All New Drivers:
Reaching driving age is an exciting time in your life. You can finally enjoy
the freedom that comes with having your driver’s license. But with that
freedom also come tremendous responsibilities to keep you, your passen-
gers and your car safe.That’s why LoJack created this booklet. It contains
information about personal safety and vehicle security.
Job one when you are behind the wheel is to do everything within your
power to keep you, your passengers, pedestrians and other drivers safe
from injury. Whether you can use your family car or are lucky enough to
get one of your own, it’s important to understand that a car is typically the
second largest purchase people make in their lifetime. So, you want to do
everything in your power to keep it out of the hands of professional thieves.
You probably think that auto theft will never happen to you, however, one
vehicle is stolen every 25.5 seconds. That’s why this booklet is designed
to provide you with interesting stats and facts about vehicle theft and theft
protection, and offer you important reminders about what matters most as
you become a licensed driver. So, congratulations on joining the driving
population! And, our advice to you: a little common sense goes a long way
to keep you safe and your vehicle secure.
Regards,
Joseph F. Abely
Chairman and CEO
LoJack Corporation
1
Job One: Be Smart Behind The Wheel
Most of what you’ll read here is about protecting your car from theft, but the
booklet would be incomplete if it didn’t include really important reminders about
your own safety. We’re certain you’ve heard all of this a million times from your
parents or other adults who care about you … but we think it is worth repeating.
FA C T S
Approximately 2/3 of teens killed in vehicle
crashes were not wearing seat belts.*
• Buckle up. Always wear your seat belt and make sure your passengers do
the same. If you don’t have enough seat belts for the number of passengers
in the car, you simply have too many riders.
• Keep company with an adult. Always drive with an adult in the car until you
are experienced enough – and old enough – to drive on your own. In some
states, it’s the law.
About 44% of al teen deaths were attributed to
vehicle crashes.*
• Don’t use cell phones and drive.
Cell phones are a distraction to
driving, and dangerous to use
when behind the wheel of a car.
If you need to make a call, just
pull over. If your phone rings
– hard as this may be – just let
your voicemail pick up the call.
• Listen to music on the radio
only. You need to pay attention
to your driving with all of your
senses. You need to be able to
hear what’s going on around
you – from police sirens to horns
honking. So, put those MP3 player
headphones away.
2
• Drinking, drugs and driving don’t mix. You’ve heard this before, but it is
important enough to say again – Do not drink and drive. Also you do need to
be aware of how over-the-counter drugs can affect your reflexes. Bottom line
– you need to have all your wits about you when you’re behind the wheel.
FA C T S
On the basis of
current population
trends, there wil be
23% more 16-20 year
old drivers on the
road in 2010 than
there are today –
26.1 mil ion.**
• Be a courteous driver. You are
not alone on the road. Remember
to always use your turn signals;
switch your headlights from high to
FA C T S
low beams for approaching cars;
leave appropriate space between
your vehicle and the one in front of
More than 1/3 of teen
you; allow drivers with the right of
driver fatalities
way to turn; and generally just use
involve speeding.*
common courtesy when you’re
• Obey the limits. This may go
behind the wheel.
without saying, but you should
• And finally, watch out for the
drive within the speed limit.
other guy. Unfortunately, to stay
Speeding and driving recklessly
safe it’s not enough to simply
only result in tragic events.
obey all of the driving rules. You
• Watch the lights. Yellow lights
also have to drive defensively and
really do mean slow down – not
watch out for the other guy – who
speed up so you can drive through
could be a reckless driver.
them. Intersections are a common
place for accidents, so watch for
*National Highway Traffic Safety
other cars that may be running
Administration - latest data available, 2003
**www.drivehomesafe.com
lights or pedestrians who may be
crossing the street.
3
Now that we’ve talked a little about personal safety, let’s discuss what we know
best – protecting your car from theft. Think about it this way: you have your license
and you’ve gotten your parents’ permission to use their car. Guess what? This
means that you’re now responsible for their car while you’re driving it. With that in
mind, here are some things you should know about vehicle theft.
As Auto Thieves Are Cashing In,
Your Family Is Paying The Price
TRUE STORY
Fortunately, the story told here has a
One day, I looked in my driveway, and
happy ending. Authorities recovered
the stolen vehicle from a local chop
was shocked to find that my car wasn’t
shop – a place set up by professional
there. I had a security shield on all my
thieves who dismantle stolen vehicles
windows, a steering wheel lock, a kill
and sel the parts for enormous profit.
switch, and a factory alarm, but none
But, thanks to a recovery system
of these devices stopped the thief, who
instal ed in the vehicle, the police were
obviously knew exactly what he was
able to retrieve the car and catch the
doing. I immediately called the Miami
thieves. For thousands of others, this
Police, and within only 20 minutes, they
same story could end as a nightmare.
Auto theft is a serious, ongoing issue.
had recovered it. When I went to retrieve
According to the Federal Bureau of
my vehicle, there were at least five
Investigation, more than 1.2 mil ion
police cars on the scene, all of which
vehicles were stolen in 2004. Auto
had received the signal from my stolen
theft costs the public a staggering
vehicle recovery device, enabling them
$7.6 billion in terms of lost property.
to quickly track down my car.
Jessore of Miami, FL
FA C T
In the U.S. alone,
one vehicle is stolen
every 25.5 seconds.*
4
*Federal Bureau of Investigation
With Organized Crime Fueling Auto Theft,
You Need To Outsmart The Professionals
Why is auto theft such a serious, ongoing issue?
Teenagers are the ones stealing cars
to go for a joy ride, right? The answer
may surprise you. Contrary to what
W H AT T H E
many people think, auto theft is most
often not the work of teenagers seeking
E X P E R T S S AY
adventure. Rather, auto theft is really
a big, profitable business opportunity
“Today, we’re dealing with very
for professional thieves, and more and
sophisticated thieves who are
more organized crime rings see it as
making a fortune in the auto theft
easy money. Further, auto theft is often
business and can basically get their
just one crime that is committed in a
hands on any vehicle they want.
series of other, more serious crimes,
They know exactly which vehicles
such as burglary, kidnapping and even
to steal and how to steal them.”
acts of terrorism. So, if your family is
merely protecting its vehicle from the
- Anthony Perez,
amateur thief, it is simply not enough to
LoJack Law Enforcement Liaison,
keep your car safe from the hands of
New York
the professional thief.
5
FA C T
Professional thieves can strip a vehicle in less
than 30 minutes and make two to four times a
vehicle’s worth by sel ing parts.
What Happens To Your Family’s Vehicle If
It Is Stolen By A Professional Thief?
• Many end up in chop shops, where
the vehicle is stripped down to
its components which are sold
separately on the black market. By
selling individual parts, thieves can
make two to four times a vehicle’s
actual worth.*
• Other vehicles are shipped over-
seas and sold illegally. Hundreds
of thousands of stolen vehicles are
transported across U.S. borders
each year.*
• Some vehicles are used to commit
other, often more serious crimes.
• The rest are simply resold as
used vehicles … most often to
unsuspecting customers.
* National Insurance Crime Bureau
6
W H AT T H E
E X P E R T S S AY
“I worked in the auto crime
division for 10 years and have
seen thousands of stolen cars
in pieces on the floors of chop
shops. It takes thieves no time at
all to dismantle a vehicle.”
- Jim Gavigan,
LoJack Law Enforcement Liaison,
Michigan
Common Cars Are Commonly Stolen –
Your Family May Own A Target For Theft
If you think you’re only at risk if your family owns a shiny new BMW, think again.
Believe it or not, the most expensive luxury cars are not necessarily the top theft
targets. The more common vehicles – mid-priced, imported sedans, pickups and
SUVs – are the most popular marks. Thieves choose these vehicles because
there’s a huge market for their parts. In fact, certain choice parts – like air bags
and xenon headlights – are often sought out by thieves.
According to NICB, the following were the top 10
stolen vehicles in the U.S. in 2004:*
1. 1995 Honda Civic
6. 1997 Ford F150 Series
2. 1989 Toyota Camry
7. 2003 Dodge Ram Pickup
3. 1991 Honda Accord
8. 1990 Acura Integra
4. 1994 Dodge Caravan
9. 1988 Toyota Pickup
5. 1994 Chevrolet Full Size
10. 1991 Nissan Sentra
C/K 1500 Pickup
*Latest figures available from National Insurance Crime Bureau
7
Three Important Words About Auto Theft:
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Location plays a big part in determining the risk of having your vehicle stolen.
Nearly 40 percent of all vehicle thefts occur in or near ports or border communities
because thieves can easily ship or drive vehicles across borders and sell them on
the black market in other countries.*
Many In The Suburbs Have A False Sense
Of Security
While auto theft has risen most dramatically in big cities, it is an issue in the
suburbs as well. Furthermore, because so many people who live in the suburbs
make frequent trips to the city, they need to be aware of the risks and be proactive
in taking precautions. It’s safe to say that wherever you are, you need to be smart
about protecting your vehicle.
The following 10 cities
W H AT T H E
had the highest auto
E X P E R T S S AY
theft rates in 2005.*
The majority of all motor vehicle thefts
“Auto theft is a major problem
take place in these large cities and their
nationally and consumers need to
surrounding suburbs. Below are the cit-
be aware of what they can do to
ies where thieves are working hardest:
protect their vehicles. Police de-
1. Modesto, CA
partments nationwide are working
2. Las Vegas/Paradise, NV
to combat the problem by stepping
3. Stockton, CA
up auto security measures and
4. Phoenix/Mesa/Scottsdale, AZ
police education programs.”
5. Visalia/Porterville, CA
6. Seattle/Tacoma/Bellevue, WA
7. Sacramento/Arden-Arcade/
-Frank Zangar,
Roseville, CA
LoJack Law Enforcement Liaison,
8. San Diego/Carlsbad/
Washington
San Marcos, CA
9. Fresno, CA
10. Yakima, WA
* National Insurance Crime Bureau
8
Wherever You Live, Whenever You Travel,
You Need Vehicle Theft Protection
Timing is everything
Top 3 months for vehicle theft
Thieves don’t take a vacation during the summer. Below are the three heaviest
vehicle theft months:*
• July
• August
• October
Top 3 days for vehicle theft
Criminals don’t take weekends off either. Following are the days of the week
with the highest vehicle theft rates:*
• Monday
• Friday
• Saturday
Top 3 areas with
highest risk for
vehicle theft:*
FBI reports indicate that more than
three out of four vehicles are stolen at
the locations mentioned below, which
is where vehicles are most commonly
parked. More than one half of thefts
take place in areas where vehicles
are parked without attendants.
• Home
• Parking lot or garage
• Road or alley
* Federal Bureau of Investigation
9
The Truth About Auto Theft:
Prevention Devices Are Not Enough
A LoJack-commissioned survey* revealed that Americans scored high in using
common sense to protect their vehicles. The scores, however, were lower when
it came to arming their cars with theft protection products. Forty-three percent
of the people surveyed reported having no theft protection in their vehicles. In
today’s world, it takes common sense and the right products to keep your vehicle
safe from harm.
There are two categories of theft protection products: those that discourage
thieves from stealing the vehicle in the first place, and those that recover the
vehicle after it has been stolen. The former can put off many thieves, but true
professionals know how to disable alarms, steering wheel locks, smart keys,
satellite tracking systems, etc. However, hidden radio frequency-based recovery
systems are nearly impossible to find and disconnect.
LoJack study
highlights:
The good
• 77% of respondents lock their
car and close their windows
• 55% park in well lit areas
... And the bad
• 40% don’t realize auto theft is
the result of organized theft
rings
• 43% don’t have any sort of
vehicle security system
• 34% leave their vehicle
running and unattended
* Survey conducted by
10
Opinion Research Corporation
and sponsored by LoJack Corporation
With Common Sense And The Right
Products, You Can Keep Your Family’s
Car Safe From Thieves
There are three important steps to keep your vehicle safe from theft. Once you
know them, you have a chance to help teach your parents what they should do to
keep your family’s car safe from thieves. The three steps are:
1. Use COMMON SENSE as a first line of defense
2. Attempt to discourage thieves with THEFT PROTECTION DEVICES
3. Have a VEHICLE RECOVERY SYSTEM that guarantees the safe return of
your car in the event that it is stolen
Common sense
While some of the common sense measures below may seem
obvious, believe it or not, many people neglect to do these things…
which leave their cars very vulnerable to thieves. So, here’s a list of
important reminders:
• Never leave a key in or on
the vehicle
• Close all windows and lock
all doors
• Park in a well-lit area
• When at home, keep your
vehicle in your garage if possible
• Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle,
especially where they can be seen
• Don’t leave your car running
unattended to heat or cool it
COMMON SENSE IS ONLY
THE FIRST STEP.
Common sense may protect against
amateur thieves, but it won’t stop the
professionals.
11
Theft prevention products
Audible and visible warning devices
The second step is to use devices designed to deter thieves from
trying to steal your vehicle. Devices that alert thieves include:
• Alarms
• Window etching
• Steering wheel locks
• Brake locks or wheel locks
Immobilizing devices
Hotwiring is a technique used to bypass a vehicle’s ignition. You can try to keep
thieves from being successful with products that prevent a thief from starting or
moving a vehicle, such as:
• Smart keys
• Fuel cut-off devices
• Kill switches
• Starter, ignition and fuel disablers
THIS IS ONLY THE SECOND STEP.
Theft prevention products may deter some thieves, but unfortunately the
professionals know how to outsmart them all.
12
Vehicle recovery systems
The third step involves the use of recovery systems. If your family’s
vehicle is stolen, these systems help authorities track it down and
return it – usually intact. The most effective systems have powerful
tracking and recovery capabilities. For example, LoJack Systems
offer a number of advantages: they employ proven, time-tested
radio frequency technology; are hidden which makes them almost
impossible to locate and disconnect; and are directly integrated into law enforce-
ment agencies in 26 states. They also offer superior performance in last mile
tracking, which is where the rubber meets the road in terms of recovery. These
features add up to a LoJack success rate of better than 90 percent in recovering
stolen vehicles.
Although recovery systems are not designed to stop thieves, the most effective
ones provide you with powerful protection. In most cases, stolen vehicles are
recovered with minimal damage in just a few hours.
13
LoJack Corporation: Your Partner In
Vehicle Theft Protection
Since 1986, LoJack Corporation has
greater levels of protection and
been dedicated to providing consumers
convenience by notifying users via
with advanced stolen vehicle recovery
phone, text message or email as
systems. During that time, we have
soon as their vehicles are moved
successfully recovered more than
without permission. LoJack Systems
90,000 vehicles in the U.S., totaling
are directly integrated into law
more than $1.5 billion (estimated value)
enforcement vehicles and aircraft
in recovered assets. Our time-tested
via Police Tracking Computers that
vehicle recovery system for cars and
enable police to recover stolen
light trucks has a better than 90 percent vehicles quickly and usually with
success rate, and our LoJack Early
minimal damage. In fact, we offer a
Warning Recovery System offers even
24-hour vehicle recovery guarantee!
W H AT T H E
E X P E R T S S AY
“If a thief wants to take your car,
he will – regardless of the theft
prevention device you employ.
Your best bet is to use a theft
recovery system. These systems
give you the best odds of getting
your car back in one piece and
with little damage.”
-Clifford Smith,
LoJack Law Enforcement Liaison,
Texas
14
Important Information To Have At
Your Fingertips
What can you do if your family’s vehicle is stolen?
If you are ever in the unfortunate situation of having the car you are driving
stolen, here are the key steps to take:
• Contact the police immediately to file a stolen vehicle report. The police will
provide you with either a hard copy of the report or a case number that you
will need for your family’s insurance company. You should be prepared to
provide the following information:
• License plate number
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Year, make, model and color
• Identifying marks such as scratches or dents, and custom add-ons
such as spoilers or wheel covers
• A list of the items inside the vehicle
• A description of any suspect(s) you may have seen
• Have one of your parents contact your family’s insurance company to file
a claim within 24 hours of the time you discovered the vehicle was stolen.
Provide the insurance company with a hard copy of the police report or the
case number.
• Make sure someone in your family contacts the police and insurance
company immediately when/if the vehicle is located.
Ask the experts
If you want to help your family get sound advice on how to protect your vehicle
or have questions regarding auto theft, contact the experts at LoJack by emailing
theftexperts@lojack.com. LoJack has a team of vehicle theft protection specialists,
many of whom are former police officers, who are ready to answer your questions.
15
VEHICLE ONE
Vehicle Year, Make & Model ________________________________________
Vehicle Identification Number _______________________________________
License Plate ____________________________________________________
Insurance Company Phone Number __________________________________
For identification purposes, insert a current photograph of your vehicle here.
insert photo here
VEHICLE TWO
Vehicle Year, Make & Model ________________________________________
Vehicle Identification Number _______________________________________
License Plate ____________________________________________________
Insurance Company Phone Number __________________________________
For identification purposes, insert a current photograph of your vehicle here.
insert photo here
16
Additional Resources
Federal Bureau of Investigation (Uniform Crime Report 2004) WWW.FBI.GOV
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety WWW.IIHS.ORG
National Insurance Crime Bureau WWW.NICB.ORG
CCC Information Services WWW.CCCIS.COM
Insurance Information Institute WWW.III.ORG
Insurance News Network WWW.INSURE.COM
LoJack Knowledge Center for Vehicle Security
WWW.LOJACK.COM/THEFTFACTS
About LoJack Corporation
LoJack Corporation is the premier worldwide provider of tracking
and recovery systems for valuable mobile assets such as cars,
trucks, motorcycles and construction equipment. In the U.S., its
stolen vehicle recovery system has been utilized by law
enforcement agencies for more than 20 years. LoJack operates
coast-to-coast in 26 states and the District of Columbia, represent-
ing the areas of the country with the greatest population density,
highest number of new vehicle sales and incidents of vehicle theft.
Additionally, LoJack is operated by law enforcement and security
organizations in more than 27 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia,
and the Western Hemisphere.
For more information on how to protect your vehicle from
theft or to learn more about LoJack, visit our website at
www.lojack.com or call 1.800.4.LoJack (1.800.456.5225).
1.800.4.LOJACK
WWW.LOJACK.COM
Presented to you by LoJack Corporation
