Skip to main content
NC DPS logo NC DPS

Topical Navigation

  • Home
  • Our Organization
    Our Organization
    • Law Enforcement
    • Adult Correction
    • Juvenile Justice
    • Emergency Management
    • Homeland Security
    • North Carolina National Guard
    • Office of Recovery & Resiliency
  • DPS Services
    DPS Services
    • Offender Search
    • Victim Services
    • Permits & Licenses
    • Grants
    • Prison Rape Elimination Act
    • Safety Tips
    • Samarcand Training Academy
    • Spanish Resources
  • Careers That Matter
    Careers That Matter
    • Career Fairs
    • Correctional Officers
    • DPS Healthcare
    • Probation and Parole Officers
    • State Highway Patrol
    • Alcohol Law Enforcement
    • Emergency Management
    • Juvenile Justice Careers
    • State Capitol Police
    • Contact a DPS Recruiter
    • NCDPS Internships
  • About DPS
    About DPS
    • Office of the Secretary
    • Administration
    • Professional Standards, Policy and Planning
    • Divisions
    • Boards and Commissions
    • Statistics and Data
    • Administrative Rules
    • Current Initiatives
  • News
    News
    • Press Releases
    • News Conferences
    • Blog: DPS Dispatch
    • In Case You Missed It
    • Calendar of Events
    • Media Contacts
  • Contact
    Contact
    • Send Email
    • Frequently Called Phone Numbers
    • Public Records Request
    • Directory
    • Report Fraud, Waste or Abuse
  • NC.GOV
  • AGENCIES
  • JOBS
  • SERVICES
NC DPS »   DPS Services »   Safety Tips »   Vehicle Theft

Vehicle Theft

Residential road with cars parked along both sides

Auto Theft

Auto theft is big business and professional thieves can enter and steal a car within seconds. By following a few common rules when using your car, you can greatly reduce your chance of becoming a victim of this crime.

  • Always lock your vehicle when you are not in it.
  • Park in well-lit, populated areas that are easily observed by passers-by.
  • Never leave the keys inside your car or the engine running unattended.
  • Engrave audio and phone equipment with your NCDL or ID number.
  • Always lock valuables in the trunk; never leave them in plain view.

In the event of an auto theft, have a thorough description of your vehicle (including serial and license plate numbers) ready for the police. Report the stolen vehicle as soon as possible!

Bicycle Theft

To deter a potential thief, a bicycle should have its owner's NCDL or other ID number engraved on its frame. This number, along with the bicycle's serial number and description, should be recorded and kept on hand for police in case of a theft. A few proactive steps can also be taken to increase the security of your bicycle.

  • Never leave your bicycle unattended unless it is locked in place.
  • Always store your bicycle in a safe place like a shed or in a garage.
  • If you cannot store your bike inside, secure it from theft with a good chain and lock.
  • Avoid leaving even a locked bicycle in a public area overnight.
  • Do not leave detachable items unsecured on your bicycle. If you have a pouch for carrying money and small items attached to your seat, empty it or take it with you.

 

Safety Tips

  • Personal Safety
  • Child Abuse Prevention
  • Fraud and Scams
  • Date Rape
  • Slamming
  • Substance Abuse
  • Internet Safety
  • Home Safety
  • Children Home Alone
  • Vehicle Theft
  • Travel Safety
  • Road Hazards
  • Highway Safety
  • Deer on the Highway
  • Vehicle Maintenance
  • Holiday Travel
  • Winter Driving
  • Bus Stops
  • Business Fraud Protection
  • Employee Theft

Share this page:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

How can we make this page better for you?

Back to top

Contact

NC Department of Public Safety

Physical Address: 
512 North Salisbury Street, Raleigh
 
Mailing Address:
4201 Mail Service Center, 

Raleigh, NC 27699-4201
 

919-733-2126

Activity Feed

Activity Feed

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Flickr
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Employee Directory
  • Translate Disclaimer
  • Accessibility
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Open Budget
NC DPS
https://www.ncdps.gov/dps-services/safety-tips/vehicle-theft