Vehicle Theft Prevention Event set in BHC

BULLHEAD CITY – The Bullhead City Police Department will be hosting a free Vehicle Theft Prevention & Awareness event, where officers will provide free VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) Etching.  The etching equipment was provided by the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) to help law enforcement agencies reduce stolen vehicles.  

 “VIN etching is chemically etching the vehicle identification number onto all windows, which discourages thieves from stealing your vehicle and selling your car parts to unsuspecting customers or chop shops,” said Community Services Officer Lorrie Duggins.  

The public is invited to the Bullhead City Police Department, 1255 Marina Boulevard, on Thursday, May 18 from 3:30 – 6 p.m. 

This year, officers will be on-hand to educate and provide resources on ways to help prevent vehicle thefts, as well as giving away free steering wheel locks for residents who own 2011-2021 Kia or Hyundai vehicles with a steel key ignition (keyless entry/push-to-start vehicles are not impacted). The locks are being handed out in response to a rise in thefts of certain model cars. The steering wheel locks will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. The locks come from a partnership between Kia, Hyundai and BHCPD and aim to protect residents’ vehicles. 

Car theft is a serious problem – it is incredibly stressful and often costly and time-consuming for the victims. Some vehicle theft prevention tips include: 

1)      Common Sense 

                                                                           i.      Lock your car – half of all vehicles stolen are unlocked 

                                                                         ii.      Don’t leave your keys in the car 

                                                                        iii.      Park in well-lit areas and in attended parking lots 

                                                                       iv.      Don’t leave your vehicle running and unattended 

                                                                         v.      Roll your windows all the way up 

                                                                       vi.      Don’t leave valuables in plain view 

                                                                      vii.      Don’t hide a spare set of keys in the car – criminals know where

        to look! 

                                                                    viii.      Park car in the garage. Lock both the car and garage door. 

2)      Warning Devices 

                                                                           i.      Audible alarms 

                                                                         ii.      Steering wheel locks, brake locks or tire locks 

                                                                        iii.      Watch Your Car decal program (www.azwatchyourcar.com) 

                                                                       iv.      Etch your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on car windows 

3)      Immobilizing Devices 

                                                                           i.      Smart keys 

                                                                         ii.      High security locks and keys 

                                                                        iii.      Fuse cut-offs 

                                                                       iv.      Kill switches 

                                                                         v.      Starter, ignition and fuel disablers 

4)      Tracking Devices – are very effective in helping law enforcement recover stolen vehicles. 

For more information, contact Community Services Officer Lorrie Duggins at (928) 763-9200 ext. 8204 or email lduggins@bullheadcityaz.gov .