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Car safety guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
How to Prevent Car Theft: 7 Simple Precautions
A few habits make a vehicle a harder target. Here is the car theft prevention checklist from the Indiana Driver's Manual, published by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), with what each step means day to day.
7BMV precautions
Keysalways take them
Lockedevery time
Well-litparking when possible
The short answer
Take your keys, lock the doors, and do not hide a spare key in or around the car. Park with the front wheels turned sharply to the right and the emergency brake on, never leave the car unattended with the engine running, consider an anti-theft device, and park in well-lit, well-patrolled areas whenever possible. That is the Indiana BMV's full checklist.
The BMV's car theft prevention checklist
The Indiana Driver's Manual says the chances of having a vehicle stolen may be reduced by taking these precautions:
| Precaution | What it means in practice |
|---|---|
| Remove keys | Take your keys with you every time you leave the vehicle. |
| Always lock the doors | Lock the vehicle's doors whenever you leave it. |
| Do not hide a spare key | Do not hide a second set of keys in or around the vehicle. |
| Turn the wheels and set the brake | Park with the front wheels turned sharply to the right and apply the emergency brake. |
| Never leave it running unattended | Never leave a vehicle unattended with the engine running. |
| Consider an anti-theft device | The manual suggests considering installing an anti-theft device. |
| Park in well-lit areas | Park in well-lit, well-patrolled areas whenever possible. |
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapter 8, read November 10, 2026.
Keys and spare keys
Two of the seven precautions are about keys: take them out of the vehicle, and do not hide a second set in or around it. A third is to always lock the doors.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapter 8, read November 10, 2026.
Where and how you park
The manual says to park in well-lit, well-patrolled areas whenever possible, and to park with the front wheels turned sharply to the right with the emergency brake applied. And never leave a vehicle unattended with the engine running.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapter 8, read November 10, 2026.
Service and parts at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Our service team can help keep your Ford in good running order.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 10, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Preventing car theft: FAQ
How can I prevent my car from being stolen?
The Indiana Driver's Manual lists seven precautions: remove your keys, always lock the doors, do not hide a second set of keys in or around the vehicle, park with the front wheels turned sharply to the right and apply the emergency brake, never leave the vehicle unattended with the engine running, consider an anti-theft device, and park in well-lit, well-patrolled areas whenever possible.
Is it safe to hide a spare key on my car?
No. The manual says not to hide a second set of keys in or around the vehicle.
Should I leave my car running while I run into a store?
No. The manual says never to leave a vehicle unattended with the engine running.
What does the BMV say about wheels and the brake when parking?
The manual's theft checklist says to park with the front wheels turned sharply to the right and apply the emergency brake.
Where is the safest place to park?
The manual says to park in well-lit, well-patrolled areas whenever possible.
More driving and car care guides
See our winter car care checklist, guide to salvage titles and Indiana title and registration guide, or schedule service at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
The car theft precautions are from the Avoiding Vehicle Theft section of the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV, Chapter 8), read November 10, 2026. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Indiana Driver's Manual (PDF), Chapter 8: Avoiding Vehicle Theft, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), read November 10, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026