Nobody wants their car stolen (obviously), but the sad reality is that in the city of Chicago experienced over 10,000 auto thefts in 2016 alone (see here). Auto theft is a very real risk we run living in the city of Chicago. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent your car from being stolen in the city. Our top five tips for preventing vehicle theft are below.

1. Lock the Doors

Ok, this one might seem pretty obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people forget to do this. Makings sure you have working locks on all your vehicles doors is step one. If your door locks are broken, get them fixed, or you run the risk of a break-in. Next, remember to actually lock the doors when you leave your car!

2. Park Somewhere Safe

Garages are ideal, especially overnight, however this can be expensive in the city, and it’s understandable if you don’t have access to a garage. If this is the case, try to park in a safe neighborhood, or at least settle for somewhere well-lit.

3. Don’t Leave Valuables in Plain Sight

When a burglar can see valuable items in your car, they are more inclined to break in and steal them. Leaving your valuables in plain sight attracts burglars and entices them. You’ve got a glove box for this very reason—use it, or take your valuables with you.

4. Have an Alarm Sticker

The presence of an alarm is enough to deter most criminals from going near your vehicle. Making them aware that your car has an alarm system will usually help.

5. Take Your Steering Wheel

Pretty tough to drive a car without a steering wheel! If you’re parking in a dangerous neighborhood, consider taking your steering wheel with you if you’ve got a quick-release hub.