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Operation C.A.T. (COMBAT AUTO THEFT) is a voluntary
program designed to help in the fight against auto theft. By enrolling
in the program, the registered owner signs a waiver giving police the
right to stop his or her vehicle during the hours of 1 a.m. until 5 a.m.
because most cars are not driven during those hours.
A decal is placed in the rear window when the car is
registered in the program.
To register your car in the C.A.T. Program, stop by
any District Office or Columbia Police Department headquarters at 1
Justice Square. Columbia Police Department personnel will assist you and
answer any questions you may have.
The following information provides general guidelines
to help prevent your vehicle from being stolen.
PREVENTING AUTO THEFT
To a thief, there's nothing like a car. It's
self-propelled and fully equipped for a fast getaway. The car and most
especially its components, are items in steady demand.
The owner or authorized driver of a car should not
leave the vehicle unattended without locking the ignition and removing
the key. A significant number of automobiles are stolen because drivers
fail to remove ignition keys.
ESTABLISH GROUND RULES
All family members should know how to protect their
car against theft. Licenses, registration cards or other identifying
papers that a thief could misuse should never be left in the car. Keys
should be carefully guarded. If the keys have punch-out numbers, these
should be removed and kept at home for reference in case of loss.
HOW TO GIVE A THIEF A HARD TIME
The Columbia Police Department recommends the
following precautions:
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Park in well-lighted areas
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Close all windows, lock all doors
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Activate any anti-theft device you may have
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Put valuables out of sight
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If you park in a commercial garage, leave the
attendant your ignition key only
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Keep license and registration in your wallet or
purse. If these items are left in the vehicle, thieves can use these
documents to sell your car if it's stolen, or impersonate you when they
are challenged by police. Owners who indiscriminately leave keys, titles
or other identifiable material in their vehicles may return home to find
they are victims of a burglary.
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If you have a garage, use it. Lock the vehicle and
the garage.
PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION PAYS
Identification of stolen vehicles after they have been
recovered continues to be a problem for car owners, police and auto
insurers.
Today, in spite of wide-spread use of identification
numbers on automobiles and component parts, ownership is often difficult
to prove because experienced thieves are increasingly removing
manufacturer's identification numbers completely. The Columbia Police
Department recommends, therefore, that each motorist inscribe the car
with the Vehicle Identification Number.
Etch the Vehicle Identification Number in several hard
to find spots, using an engraving tool. Write your name in crayon under
the hood or trunk.
If your vehicle is stolen, the police will need
specific information to identify the car, parts and accessories. Take
the time to record detailed information. If a car thief has replaced
your license plates, altered the Vehicle Identification Number or
repainted the car, other points of identification will be available.
If your car becomes the victim of a chop shop (the
place where component parts are stripped off a stolen vehicle) at least
the police have a better chance of recovering all or part of your car
and arresting the thief.
AUTO THEFT SECURITY DEVICES
In order to secure your car, a number of devices are
available for installation to deter or prevent theft of the car, parts
or contents. These devices include special locks and alarm systems.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Proper maintenance of your vehicle will prevent
breakdowns, thereby avoiding vulnerable situations. A citizens band
radio, or a cellular phone, offer a degree of protection by providing
outside contact in case of an emergency.
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Check the following items on a routine basis:
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tire pressure and wear
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oil and brake fluid levels
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battery fluid
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radiator water level
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The following items should be in your vehicle at all
times for emergency situations:
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