How To Protect Cars, Bicycles, Motorcycles


HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CAR -
Always lock your car doors. Be certain all windows are
completely closed. When driving, keep all doors locked. It is
best to park in attended lots. If you must leave a key with
the attendant, leave only the ignition key. In all cases
lock your car. At night, park only in well-lighted areas.

If you have a garage, the single lock on the door is inadequate
to keep intruders from prying up the opposite side and crawling
in. One of three methods may be used to secure the door:
(1) Add another bolt and padlock on the opposite side, or
(2) Install a pair of cane bolts to the inside - only
operable from the inside, or
(3) Add a top center hasp. Any person of average height
can operate this locking device. The hasp must be of
hardened steel and installed with carriage bolts through
the door or gate. Use large washers on the inside. After
the nuts are secured, deface the threads of the bolt ends
with a hammer to keep the nuts from being removed.

In every case, use a minimum standard exterior padlock.
Don't hide a key outside. Most hiding places are obvious
to the burglar.

Never leave a padlock unlocked. This is an invitation
to have the padlock removed so that a key can be made,
and the lock returned to its position. Later, the
burglar returns when no one is home and enters at his
leisure, using "his" key.

HOW TO PROTECT BICYCLES -
You don't leave your car unlocked, so treat your bicycle
the same way. Use an approved chain and padlock whenever
you are not on the seat! Lock it to the garage - with
a 3/8" x 6" eye screw fastened to a stud. The eye screw
should be at least 3 feet above the floor, because this
makes using a pry bar much more difficult.

Whenever you lock your bike in a public place, chain it
to a secure rack or stanchion through the frame and a
wheel. Keep the chain as high above the ground as the
bike will allow. This reduces the leverage for a pry
bar or bolt cutter attack.

MINIMUM STANDARD FOR APPROVED CHAIN -
Must be a least 5/16" hardened steel alloy. Links must
be of continuous welded construction. Lighter chain, or
chain with open links simply will not withstand bolt
cutting attacks. Don't GIVE your bicycle away! Using
anything less will invite its theft.

HOW TO PROTECT MOTORCYCLES -
These expensive bikes require additional security measures.
They must be secured with a mated 3/8" hardened steel
alloy chain and a padlock of equal strength. Sheathed
cable has not proven to be a satisfactory deterrent to
theft.

LIGHTING -
Good exterior lighting is important, particularly when
the yard area is obscured by high, non-removable shrubbery.
The best possible location for outside lights is under the
eaves. This makes ground level assault more difficult.
You can buy an inexpensive timer or photo-electric cell
which will automatically turn the lights on at dusk and
turn them off at dawn.