You hold the key 

Regardless of the year, make or model, every vehicle is a potential target for theft and/or burglary. Authorities recommend a layered approach to protection. The more layers of protection on your vehicle, the more difficult it is to steal. 

Layer 1

The common sense approach to protection is the simplest and most cost-effective way to thwart would-be thieves.

No cost precautions include: 

• Always lock your car, close windows and use your emergency brake
• Remove your keys from vehicle and never leave vehicle running unattended
• Never leave valuables in vehicle or in plain sight
• Park in well-lit areas
• Report suspicious activity - Call 911

Layer 2

The second layer of protection is a viable or audible device which alerts thieves that your vehicle is protected. 

Popular second layer device include:

• Steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks, hood locks
• Alarm systems
• License plate locks, tire and wheel locks
• Theft deterrent decals
• Identification marks in or on vehicle
• Window etching with Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Layer 3

The third layer of protection is a device which prevents thieves from bypassing your ignition and hot-wiring the vehicle. Some electronic devices have computer chips in ignition keys. Other devices inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch or button is activated.

Popular third layer devices include: 

• Starter, ignition and fuel kill switches
• Smart keys
• Wireless ignition authentication
• Fuse cut-offs
• Immobilizers and Pass keys

Layer 4

The final layer of protection is an electronic tracking device which emits a signal to police or monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles. 

There has been an increase in catalytic converter thefts in the City of El Segundo.

Catalytic converter thieves generally target high profile vehicles like trucks or SUVs because the higher ground clearance allows for easier access underneath the vehicle. However, sports cars, sedans and minivans are not immune to converter theft. The vehicles impacted most in El Segundo are Honda Odyssey's and older model trucks. 

You may not be able to tell your catalytic converter was stolen by looking at your car, but you will know as soon as you start it. When the catalytic converter has been removed, your vehicle makes a loud, roaring sound, much like that of a motorcycle. 
So what can you do to protect your vehicle? Below are five prevention tips that can reduce your risk.

• Park in areas where your vehicle will most easily be seen by passers-by. Park under lights after dark or near windows at a business. Park near security cameras and in a garage, if possible. 
• Park defensively. Park high profile vehicles so they are surrounded by low ground clearance vehicles. This may deter thieves by making it harder for them to access the most vulnerable targets.
• If your catalytic converter is a “bolt on” model, you can have the bolts welded shut and have extra metal welded to the exhaust system.
• Etch your converter with your vehicle’s license plate number in several different locations. This will help police track your property if it is stolen. 
• Install a catalytic converter protection device that will clamp around the converter.

If your converter is stolen, please file a police report immediately by calling 310-524-2760.

Pedestrian Safety is a Two-Way Street

Drivers and pedestrians must work together to demonstrate safe behaviors on the road, helping to protect themselves and those around them.

•  Don’t speed, follow the speed limit and never use your phone; always be cautious of your surroundings.
• Look out for pedestrians, especially in hard-to-see conditions.
• Pedestrians have the right of way at any crosswalk or intersection. Yield and be prepared to stop.
• Stop at the crosswalk stop line to give drivers in other lanes an opportunity to see and yield to pedestrians too.
• Be cautious when backing up – pedestrians, especially young children, can move across your path.

Residential Burglary Prevention  

The first step in improving overall security is to take a hard look at the security measures already in your home. Take a look at your house at night as well as in the daytime. Residential burglaries are crimes of opportunity. Make your home look occupied and make it difficult to break in. Below are some tips on how to help safeguard your home.

Controlling Access

Physical Protection Measures:

• Install single cylinder, heavy-duty, 1-inch deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. 
• Replace hollow core doors with solid core doors.
• Have door hinges fitted on the inside or have non-removeable pins.
• Install additional locking devices on all windows and sliding doors.
• Install locks on gates, garages, and sheds and keep them locked at all times.
• Install a side-yard gate and keep it locked at all times. Side and back entries are the most common access point for burglars.
• Consider planting thorny bushes under windows and along fences.
• Trim shrubbery and trees so that limbs don't provide access to second stories or roofs.

Deterrent Measures:

• Consider installing a hard-wire burglary alarm system with motion sensors and glass break to all levels of your home with 24/7 monitoring. 
• Install exterior security cameras. 
• Affix Neighborhood Watch and/or Alarm Company stickers on or near entry doors and windows.
• Keep an outside dog in a fenced area and have a lock on the gate. 

Security Procedures

Providing Visibility & Maintaining Your Property:

• Trim shrubbery and bushes to eliminate possible hiding places near windows 
• Install a wide-angle peephole in your front door.
• Have adequate exterior lighting.
• Consider installing motion sensor lights, making sure there are no dark areas around your house, garage, or yard. 
• Replace burnt out bulbs.
• Keep property in good condition and free of debris, flyers or anything that could indicate the property is neglected or nobody is home.
• Repair and/or replace broken windows, screens, locks, and fences.

Reminders:

• Keep all doors, windows, and other access points locked even if you are just going out "for a minute."
• Don't leave keys in mailboxes or planters, under doormats or above doorways. Instead leave an extra key with a trusted neighbor. 
• Know who is at your door before opening it.
• Don't allow service representatives from utility companies into your home, unless you have an appointment or can verify their authenticity. 
• Change your locks right away if you lose your house key.
• Lock up ladders and tools that may help a burglar break in.
• Don't discuss your finances or assets with strangers.
• Invest in a safe deposit box or a safe that is well hidden and bolted securely to the structure. Consider placing an electronic tracker inside the safe that can be tracked via a smartphone.