July is National Vehicle Theft Protection Month, and in an effort to keep all vehicles safe, the Yuma Police Department wants to remind the public to do its part.

YPD said it is actively combating auto theft and currently has two auto theft detectives, an active Bait Vehicle Program, and participates in auto theft prevention strategies throughout the year, including the Watch Your Car Program.

According to the YPD, such strategies have helped reduce the rate of car thefts in Yuma, even though the city is within close proximity of the Mexican border and a few hours away from major seaports.

"These programs help continue the education and awareness of auto theft prevention with the public," said Clint Norred, YPD public information officer.

"Over the last two years, car theft fell 50 percent. We attempt to keep auto theft in the minds of the public and to get them to register in the Watch Your Car Program. If they enroll in the program, they get a sticker to place in the rear window of their vehicle.

"The presence of the sticker allows law enforcement to stop the vehicle if they see it between 1 and 5 a.m., which is when most auto thefts occur. Law enforcement can also stop the vehicle at any time if it is within one mile of the international border."

YPD suggests local citizens follow simple preventive measures when leaving a car unattended:

• Locking doors and rolling up windows.

• Parking in well-lit areas equipped with surveillance cameras.

• Never leaving your keys in the vehicle.

• Keeping the vehicle in your garage.

• Never leaving valuables in the vehicle, especially where visible.

According to YPD, these tips may ward off the amateurs but will not deter the professionals. They said a layered approach will need to be considered.

The YPD said vehicle owners may also want to use steering wheel locks, brake locks or wheel locks. They also recommend alarms, window etching and theft deterrent decals.

In extreme cases, YPD said people can install a kill switch, ignition disabler or fuel cutoff devices that may prevent the thief from getting away with the car.

For more theft prevention materials, log on to www.lojack.com/knowledge or the National Insurance Crime Bureau Web site at www.nicb.org.

For more information regarding auto theft prevention and the programs offered by YPD, call 373-4700 or log on to www.yumaaz.gov.

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Chris McDaniel can be reached at cmcdaniel@yumasun.com or 539-6849.