Recently, Road Rules reported that overall car thefts were down as a result of the various, very practical steps that were being taken to combat it. The following commentary on a counter-trend is largely based on recent newspaper articles from North Shore News.

Knowing and abiding by the rules of the road is the best way we know to minimize the not inconsiderable risks of driving. But there are other risks to being a car driver or owner, including being the potential victim of car thieves and vandals, that are not for the most part, addressed by legislation. Avoiding car theft is largely a matter of common sense, complimented by recent major improvements in anti-theft technology.

ICBC reports paying out over $1 Billion over the past decade for theft and vandalism claims. These losses almost invariably relate to parked vehicles.

Honking horns more so than silver bells, alas, herald “Christmas time in the city.” An estimated 20% of car crash claims are based on accidents in shopping mall parking lots. The holiday season is an important contributor to this statistic. The causes are obvious: too many cars, too many preoccupied drivers, too few parking spaces, and unpredictable vehicular and pedestrian traffic patterns. And the weather may be a culprit, greasing road surfaces and reducing visibility. As if safe-driving concerns weren’t enough to contend with, it’s also a prime season for auto theft, which occurs with greater frequency where large groups of cars are parked together for extended periods. Safety, courtesy, personal and property protection—all of these are concerns in mall parking lots whether above or underground. Here are some tips: