Why did MY car get Stolen?

Every 24 seconds a car is stolen in the US. I have been lucky so far and haven't had this problem. With my luck, it will happen when I am holding 2 kids and bag full of groceries.

While I am certainly no expert on cars, cops, or robbers, I do know some places to turn to for a little prevention. Edmunds.com does a great job of explaining exactly what crooks look for and how to protect yourself.

Here's what the crooks are looking for and how they choose cars:

• Bump against the car to check for a car alarm.
  


• Break the window or jimmy the lock to gain entry into a locked car.


• Cut the steering wheel itself if there's a steering wheel lock.
  


• Look for exposed wiring that can be cut or for the central unit of the car alarm to deactivate it.
  


• Look for car alarm decals to figure out which method to use to eliminate the alarm.
  
  
• Jump into an unattended running car while the owner is at the ATM, dropping off videos, etc.
  
  
• Look for the car's title, registration or anything with a home address on it.
  
  
• Stake out sporting events, movie theaters and shopping center parking lots for the car of your choice since they offer the largest variety of cars in one area.
  
  
• Find the second set of keys the owner "hid" in the car.
  
  
• Copy specific vehicle information and take it to the manufacturer to get a replacement key made.

To read the preventative portion, visit Edmunds.