Prevention Tips to avoid your motor vehicle being stolen
According to the information gathered on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten by the Sint Maarten Police Force, vehicle theft has been increasing over the last few years on Sint Maarten.
Protect yourself from becoming a victim of vehicle theft
Be vigilant about securing your car, and take preventive measures to keep your car safe. Here are some things you can do to help protect your car from theft.
Install an Audible Alarm System and Anti-Theft Device
Install an audible alarm system, if your car did not come with one, and using a visible anti-theft device. An audible alarm is designed to emit a loud noise, often the car’s horn, if someone attempts to enter the vehicle while the alarm is on. The unwanted attention attracted by the noise may chase off a potential thief.
Install a Vehicle Immobilizer System
Thieves can bypass your ignition by “hotwiring” your car, but you can help prevent this by using a vehicle immobilizer system, such as smart keys, kill switches and wireless ignition authentication. They’ll essentially disable the vehicle so that a thief cannot make off with it. You may need to have a mechanic or technician who is familiar with the vehicle’s wiring and computer systems install the immobilizer in your vehicle.
Lock Your Doors
Keeping your vehicle doors locked is the first step in deterring a thief. It’s good to get into the habit of checking your doors.
Remove Your Keys from the Vehicle
Never leave your keys in the ignition. If your key is in the car, a thief can simply break a window and drive off.
Close the Windows
Keep your windows closed completely, A thief can simply reach into your car through an open window taking what they can reach or unlocking the door to gain full access to your vehicle and everything in it.
Park in Well-Lit Areas
Be aware of your surroundings when you park your car. Use your common sense.
Avoid parking in areas that are poorly lit or places that are not immediately seen by passers-by. Sint Maarten Police Force recommends parking under a light and in a well-trafficked area, as thieves may be deterred if they know they can easily be seen.
Install a Tracking System
You may want to consider installing a tracking system, which can also be called a vehicle recovery system. (As with the other alarms, you may need to have a professional install the device.) When your car is stolen, this tracking system will use wireless and/or GPS technology to emit a signal to the police or a monitoring service of your vehicle’s location.
Don’t Leave Valuables in Your Car
One way to attract a thief is to leave a purse, cell phone or another high-value item in a highly visible area of your car. It’s best to leave anything of value at home, but, if you must have something important with you, keep it out of sight.
What To Do If Your Car Is Stolen
If your car is stolen, contact the police immediately and a patrol will be send to the location. We urge the victims to report the vehicle stolen, so the Patrols can be on the outlook for your vehicle. It is also helpful, in the case that several car thefts are reported in a certain area, the patrols can do extra surveillance if needed. If you do not report the crime, we can’t assist you in getting your car back. Together we can keep the community of Sint Maarten safe. See something, say something, share something!
Please provide the following information to the police:
The year, make, model and color of the car
License plate number/ Inspection card/Insurance
Vehicle Identification Number (also called the “VIN”)
The Sint Maarten Police Force advises to make a copy of your vehicle documentation and keep it in a safe place (not in the vehicle).
You’ll also want to let your insurance company know within 24 hours if your vehicle has been stolen. Auto theft is now is now very common in Sint Maarten, unfortunately it is something you need to protect yourself against. Taking a few simple precautions may help you reduce the chances of your car being stolen.
