VEHICLE THEFT PREVENTION TIPS

NEVER LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE UNATTENDED WITH THE KEYS INSIDE IT (either in the ignition, under a floor mat, in the ashtray, etc.)
WHETHER YOU'RE INSIDE YOUR VEHICLE OR NOT…LOCK ITS DOORS! If you're operating the car, this will greatly decrease the likelihood of someone robbing you of the car. Also, it serves as a safety feature should you become involved in a crash (A door is 10 times less likely to pop open in a wreck if it's locked).
NEVER LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE UNATTENDED WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING! This includes allowing the car to warm up in your driveway at home and/or while you run into a place of business, etc., for "just a minute." "Just a minute" is all the time it takes for someone looking for a car to steal to get into yours and drive it away. Many potential car thieves hang around stores knowing they won't have to wait long until someone will bring them a car and leave it for a moment, unlocked with the keys in the ignition.
When away from home (shopping, attending sports events, concerts, etc.), be aware of your surroundings and, whenever possible, park your vehicle under a streetlight. Any potential thief who is casing parking lots is less likely to steal your car if it's parked in a well-lighted area.
If you practice the aforementioned safety precautions and still believe that your vehicle is at risk, invest in a device that locks your steering wheel in place (e.g., "The Club") or an auto alarm system. These items may be purchased at most auto parts or discount stores.
South Carolina law requires that all motor vehicle operators have a valid registration certificate in their possession; therefore, most people keep the original registration card somewhere inside their passenger compartment. However, never keep the vehicle title inside the car. The title should always be kept in a safe deposit box or other secure place.
If you have family members or others inside your house that you don't particularly trust with your car, don't give them access to the keys that you usually use or any extra keys.
While it would be preferable if no car thefts ever occurred, that's impossible. Therefore, do whatever you can to make certain that YOUR CAR is not stolen. Make it so difficult for the thief that he is forced to look elsewhere for a victim.
KEEP A COPY OF YOUR REGISTRATION (or at least your current license plate number) in your wallet in the event your car ever is stolen. That way, if you immediately report the theft to the police, they may enter your car at once into the nationwide computer system (NCIC). The police cannot enter your car into NCIC without this data and, if the car isn't in NCIC, they can't effectively search for the car.

And while you're keeping your car secure…

Never leave your purse or wallet inside the passenger compartment, especially in plain view. A thief with your ID, checks, and credit cards, can cause problems for you that may take years for you to straighten out, even if he doesn't take your vehicle. If keys to your house and/or job site are taken, the thief then has access to those places. And if he gets your car, too, these items make things much easier for him if he's stopped by the police.
Report any suspicious activity occurring in parking lots, etc., to the appropriate authorities.
If your vehicle is stolen, report it to the appropriate law enforcement agency at once; this will increase the odds of recovering it.