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Follow these tips to help reduce your chances of being a victim.
Walk with purpose, and stay alert.
Approach your car with the key in hand. Look around and inside the car before getting in.
Park in well-lighted areas, near sidewalks or walkways. Avoid parking near dumpsters, woods, large vans or trucks, or anything else that limits your visibility.
Never leave valuables in plain view, even when the car is locked. Put them out of sight in the trunk.
Keep doors locked and windows rolled up, no matter how short the distance or how safe the area.
Look around, especially at places where you slow down or stop, such as garages and parking lots, intersections, self-service gas stations, and car washes, highway entry and exit ramps, and ATMs.
When coming to a stop, leave enough room to maneuver around other cars, especially if you sense trouble and need to get away.
Don't stop to assist a stranger whose car has broken down. Help instead by driving to the nearest phone and calling police for help.