A car is stolen every 40 seconds in the US. In the short time it takes for thieves to make off with your beloved vehicle, your world could be turned upside down and insurance premiums sent skyrocketing.

Grand Theft Auto is prevalent across the country, with economic problems and a lack of opportunities being blamed for people increasingly turning to crime to earn a living.

Motor theft costs Americans over $7 billion dollars a year. The value of the average stolen car is thought to be $6,500, with only those with full comprehensive insurance receiving compensation.

And whilst cars can be stolen from anywhere, residents of California should take particular care. It is home to six of the ten most auto-theft ridden cities in the country and has the highest overall thefts for any state.

Methods

Thieves have moved with the times and come up with 21st century techniques to deal with modern security systems. As well as low-level auto crime, an increasing number of large-scale organised groups have begun targeting motorists across the country.

Some high-end cars have been subject to electronic attacks, with weak encryption on keyless locks facilitating a limited number of crimes.

Whilst organisation may be on the rise, the actual act of motor theft can also be fairly direct. The easiest time for a thief to strike is when you leave your car unlocked, a mistake 20% of motorists have admitted to making.

Obviously car thieves are more than happy to force entry to a car, by either smashing a window or 'jimmying' the lock. Once inside a range of techniques can be used to get the vehicle started, ranging from hotwiring the engine or using a counterfeit key. Some thieves are even willing to save themselves this trouble and carjack drivers directly.

Prevention

So, what are the best ways to prevent yourself from car theft and expensive auto glass repair bills ?

Modern technology is increasingly helping motorists, with immobilizer chips in keys helping to deter thieves. Advanced tracking systems, like the Ford Sync, are also a great preventive measure as the thieves know that stolen vehicles can be located quickly.

Lower-tech options such as wheel-locks or kill switches will also make a theft more difficult and time consuming and hopefully result in thieves ignoring your car.

Personal vigilance is also vital. Don't leave your car running in a public place or keep your windows open when parked (even if you do live in sun-drenched California). Parking in a garage or driveway will also lower the chances of your car being targeted.

Whilst Grand Theft Auto can carry a prison sentence of 1 to 14 years or life for repeat offenders, criminals will still try to steal your car. It's up to you to make it as difficult as possible for and not allow yourself to become another victim of this heart-wrenching crime.

Bruce Giles writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.