This Chevelle was stolen in Indianapolis, IN during a car show.

You’ve invested so much in your vehicle – not simply the money to either refurbish, rebuild, or maintain it in new or original glory, but also yourself.  Your hot rod represents your artistic vision, your past, your future, your hobbies and your passions, so keeping it safe is of utmost importance.  There is no tip that can completely stop a truly determined thief, but these techniques and suggestions from a variety of sources will certainly increase the odds of doing so.

From CHROME Collector Car Insurance:  
“Every thirty-three seconds a car is stolen in the United States. Think about how you would feel if somebody stole your car.

Keeping a car from being stolen can be as simple as taking the keys out of the ignition. Thieves don’t want to spend any more time than they have to stealing a car. They want to get in and get out as fast as possible so anything you can do to slow them down will help prevent your vehicle from getting stolen.

Keeping your vehicle in an enclosed and locked garage is probably the most common way people protect their collector car. Some have installed battery cut off devices, car alarms and steering wheel to brake pedal locks. There are now devices that can detect motion of the vehicle and will sent you a text message to notify if your vehicle is being moved. Several companies also have tracking devices they can install on your vehicle that will help the police with a speedy recovery of your car.

Remember, anytime you want to add a security feature to your vehicle check with an authorized and reputable dealer. This is an irreplaceable item, you do not want to leave it to just anyone to protect it.”

This Chevy truck was recovered and returned to its owners!

Great advice from folks who have a nearly equal interest in keeping your vehicle safely and happily with you.   Other ideas are investing in a product like LoJack for Classic Cars, or making sure that your car isn’t drivable while parked. Remove simple things that keep the car from starting. One reader suggested removing the rotor, others a fuel pump fuse or a batter cable. Learn from those who’ve had stolen cars to know where particular trouble spots occur or which practices have failed.

And from Vigilant Solutions, an agency that makes a license plate recognition system for law enforcement contacted us with some great advice direct from police officers along with some some potential products and organizations for readers to investigate:

• The Ravelco Anti-Theft Device is basically an incredibly sophisticated lock and key wired to the electrical system.  When the cap is removed from the pin, it is impossible to start the vehicle.
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• The Help End Auto Theft Operation (HEAT) is a statewide vehicle registration program in Texas aimed at reducing auto theft during nighttime hours. If you do not normally drive your vehicle between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., you can volunteer to sign an agreement and have two special HEAT stickers placed on your vehicle. Under this agreement, if police officers see your vehicle being driven during the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., they may stop the vehicle to verify ownership.

   

• VIN etching onto the windshield and windows helps deter thieves.  Any marks connecting auto parts to original owners makes it difficult for thieves to sell the products. Auto glass is often not stamped with a VIN, therefore requiring thieves to replace that glass reduces or eliminates profits. VIN etching can also increase the odds of recovery of a stolen car by police.

Whatever your technique, being aware of your surroundings, locking your doors,covering your car and insuring your vehicle are all ways of taking small steps to prevent theft. And if your car is stolen, let us know. Hot Rod Hotline readers are always great about putting the word out to help folks recover their vehicles!

This Nomad was stolen from the Grand National Roadster Show!