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4th Layer: tracking systems that emit a signal to police or monitoring service when the vehicle is reported stolen.

• GPS (Global Positioning System)/GPS-cellular based systems. Systems such as Lojack and OnStar use GPS signals that allow the vehicle to be tracked and recovered by authorities. These systems operate via the network of GPS satellites, which was designed primarily as navigation tool and not as a vehicle recovery solution. Satellite signals are vulnerable to being blocked and receiving antennas are visible and easily disabled.

• Cellular based systems. Systems such as use cellular telecommunication networks to provide a broader geographical scope than any other tracking system. These systems can successfully locate stolen vehicles located in underground parking lots and shipping containers, which GPS and GPS-cellular systems cannot do. They can locate a vehicle within 3 feet of its actual location, often within an hour.

Ways to steal a vehicle, and how to defend against them

• Bump against the car to check for an alarm. Since too many false alarms have conditioned people to tune them out, use an alarm that has a pager that will notify you as soon as your alarm is activated.

• Break the window or jimmy the lock to gain entry into a locked car. Do not tempt car thieves. Take valuables with you or store them in the trunk. If you have a stereo with a removable faceplate, take it with you.

• Cut the steering wheel itself if there is a steering wheel lock. When using a steering wheellock, also use a disabler device..

• Look for exposed wiring that may be cut or for the central unit of the car alarm to deactivate it. Have alarms professional installed in an inaccessible location.

• Look for car alarm decals to figure out which method to use to eliminate the alarm. Never display stickers that advertise what sort of car alarm or audio system you have. Consider using a hood lock cable so the thief cannot get to your battery or car alarm mechanism.

• Jump into an unattended running car while the owner is at the ATM, dropping off videos, etc. Never leave your keys in the ignition even for a quick errand.

• Look for the car's title, registration or anything with a home address on it. Keep your registration and insurance information with you and never leave personal information in your car.

• 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. Whenever possible, park in lots and garages that have security and/or parking lot attendants. If not, do not park in the farthest corner of the lot but rather near the entrance of these facilities to insure the most foot traffic (and the most potential witnesses). Also, opt for paying the extra couple of dollars for the monitored parking lot instead of using the free parking on the less-trafficked side streets.

• Find the second set of keys the owner "hid" in the car. Do not leave spare keys in your car or in a magnetic box attached to the underside of your car. Thieves know where all the "hiding places" are.

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