Auto theft, though not as common, remains a concern for car owners in Rwanda and elsewhere. Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) on Tuesday, September 17, paraded six suspected car thieves.

RIB Spokesperson Thierry Murangira said the group used a variety of fraudulent techniques to carry out their criminal activities. He urged the public to exercise caution when renting out or purchasing vehicles, and emphasized the importance of conducting thorough research on anyone involved in car rending businesses.

He said: "Always verify the credentials and background of individuals you are dealing with. Doing proper due diligence can prevent falling victim to scams and fraudulent activities, and always make sure you have your GPS on in your vehicle."

Fortunately, by taking some simple proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the chances of your vehicle being stolen. Here are five simple but effective strategies to protect your car from theft:

1. Install an audible alarm

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a department of transportation in the United States of America, an audible alarm is an essential component of commercial security systems. It is designed to emit a loud sound when a security breach or emergency condition is detected.

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One of the most straightforward ways to deter thieves is by installing this system. If your vehicle does not already have one, consider having a professional install it. These systems emit a loud noise, often the car’s horn, if someone attempts to tamper with or enter the vehicle.

The noise can attract unwanted attention, which may scare off potential thieves.

2. Install anti-theft devices

To deter car theft, experts recommend using visible anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks or etching the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) onto the car’s windows and parts.

The VIN, a 17-character alphanumeric identifier unique to each vehicle, serves as a car&039;s "fingerprint."

According to NHTSA, cars are stolen for four main reasons: to sell the car intact, to sell its parts, to use it as a getaway vehicle for another crime, or simply for joyriding. VIN etching can discourage theft because it requires the thief to replace the windows, making it difficult to sell the car or its parts.

Moreover, thieves are less likely to target a car if they perceive stealing it will be difficult or time-consuming. The presence of flashing signs can also make potential thieves think twice, pushing them to move on to easier targets.

3. Install a vehicle immobilizer system

NHTSA further highlights that even if a thief manages to access your car, a vehicle immobilizer system, can prevent them from hotwiring it.

Immobilizers disable the vehicle’s engine unless the correct key or authentication device is present. Many modern cars already come equipped with immobilizers, but if your car does not have one, it is worth the investment.

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These systems may incorporate smart keys, kill switches, or wireless ignition authentication, all designed to prevent a car from being started without the right credentials. It makes it significantly harder for thieves to bypass the ignition and drive away with your car.

4. Install a tracking system

In the unfortunate event that your car is stolen, a tracking system can significantly aid in its recovery.

Using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, these systems monitor your vehicle’s location in real-time and can send alerts to you or a monitoring service if the car is moved without permission.

While they don’t prevent theft, tracking systems greatly increase the chances of recovering your vehicle.

Advanced systems like LoJack use radio frequency technology to help authorities locate stolen vehicles, even in areas where GPS signals might be weak or blocked. With such a system installed, you have a higher likelihood of retrieving your car before it's damaged or resold.

5. Do not leave valuables in plain sight

NHTSA also highlighted that leaving high-value items like purses, phones, or laptops, visible inside your car can attract thieves.

Even if your car itself is not the target, a break-in to steal your belongings can cause significant damage. It is best to leave valuables at home, but if you must have them with you, keep them out of sight (preferably in the trunk).

"Thieves often scout parking lots, looking for people who are stashing items in their trunks before leaving. To avoid becoming a target, it’s a good idea to store valuables out of sight before arriving at your destination. Once you’ve parked, locking the doors and ensuring all windows are closed is another simple but important step in safeguarding your vehicle,” states NHTSA.

By following these five steps, you can help ensure your car stays safe from theft. Take precautions. If your car is ever stolen, report it to the police immediately, providing them with key details such as the make, model, color, and vehicle identification number (VIN). You will also need to contact your insurance company within 24 hours to file a claim.

By taking these actions and precautions, you can minimize your chances of becoming a victim of car theft.