If you paid good money for the rims on your car, it's up to you to protect them.
Here are some tips from the Tampa Police Department on how to prevent them from being stolen:
- Park your car in a well-lit and secure area. A home garage or a parking garage provides the best security against theft. If it is not possible to park in a garage, park the car in a well lit and populated area.
- Avoid leaving the car unattended for long periods of time. An unattended car is a tempting target to a thief.
- Install a car alarm system in your vehicle. Numerous models and types of car alarm systems are on the market. A common feature of most systems is an alarm or siren that sounds when the car is tampered with. A loud alarm will quickly discourage a potential thief.
- Etch an identification number on the back of the rim. This makes it possible to authenticate the rim as yours -- if it is located.
- Lug nut locks are an affordable way to protect your car. They can cost under $10 or be as expensive as $70. Drivers can literally lock their wheels into place, preventing a thief from using a wrench to unscrew the lug nuts. Find them in auto supply stores or online.
- Don't keep the locking nut rim key in the glove compartment.
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