If you feel, see, or think a crime is happening or about to happen, trust your instincts and call 911. 

911 gets faster response than the 1 800 ASK LAPD number.  

Car theft is a serious issue.

Statistically, the majority of car thefts in any area are committed by 1 or 2 individuals.  If they get arrested, car thefts drop tremendously.  Please report anything suspicious to the LAPD.  It also never hurts to call if you see someone hanging around.  A lot of the time, thieves like to scout out an area before they hit.  Just keep your eyes open.

In terms of protecting your vehicle, if a professional thief wants it bad enough he's probably going to get it.  Having said that, there are some basic things you can do.

Alarms are good, but are not the best way to deter thieves.

Consider installing an electronic disable system.  I have one in my car.  Cost about $500 installed.  I can hand the thief my keys, and they still wouldn't be able to start the car unless they know where the sensor for the system is hidden and how to disable it.  Auto Watch makes some very good systems, and you can get them through California Car Sound up on Venice Blvd. near Robertson.  Wouldn't consider parking my car on the street without it.  It's especially effective in preventing theft from people looking to joy ride your car.  They will still damage your steering column trying to hack into it, but at least they won't get your car.

You can also install a GPS tracking system on your car.  If it does get stolen, you can track the location of your vehicle to assist police in recovering it.

Remember to cut your wheels into the curb, especially when parking on the street.  Having the wheels cut makes the car more difficult to tow.  Remember that thieves look for the softest target, and if there is a car down the block with the wheels straight, a thief may choose to pass up your car to grab the easier one.

Make sure any system you get has a blinking LED light that will be visible to any thief.  It's also better if you get a "passive" system – meaning one that arms itself.  My disable system activates itself 30 seconds after you turn off the key.  That way you never forget to arm the system.

Other common sense things are to park in an open and well lit area.  Thieves like darkness and cover.  Poorly lit streets with lots of bushes growing on the side are a thieves paradise.  If someone is going to break into your car to steal it, they would prefer privacy.  That's actually one of the reasons they like garages, more private than on a busy street.

Anything you do that will delay a thief will give you a chance to save your ride.  I thief wants to be gone with your car in seconds.  They aren't going to spend a lot of time searching for a kill switch or tinkering under your hood.  If they jump in, punch out your ignition switch, stick in the screwdriver and nothing happens, they will likely panic and take off.  As soon as something doesn't go as expected, the thief is out of there.  That's what makes electronic disable systems the best choice to prevent theft.