Auto Club: Don't Let an Auto Thief Ruin Your Summer; Owners of the Most Frequently Stolen Cars in California Should Be Vigilant.

LOS ANGELES -- With older sedans among the most frequently stolen vehicles in the state, the Automobile Club of Southern California is advising motorists to take some simple precautions to keep a car thief from ruining their summer.

"At home and while we're vacationing during the summer, we tend to focus on enjoying ourselves rather than being aware of our surroundings, and that makes us more vulnerable to car thieves," said Dave Cavano, the Auto Club's automotive services manager. "We need to stay alert to prevent car thefts."

Several sedan models, 8 years and older, including Toyota Camrys, Honda Accords, Civics, the Ford Taurus, in addition to Chevrolet trucks and some Chryslers are targets for car thieves for their re-sale parts or joy rides, according to Cavano. The Auto Club's top 10 tips to help prevent vehicle theft are:

--Always lock your vehicle with the windows closed. Never leave valuables inside the car, especially not in clear view, including wallets, check books, credit cards, or small electronics.

--Use anti-theft or automatic tracking devices. If your vehicle wasn't equipped with an alarm or hidden tracking device when purchased, have one installed.

--Park your vehicle in a well-lighted area at night. Don't leave your vehicle in a high-crime area.

--Always make sure you receive the ownership title or certificate before completing the sale of a used vehicle, especially during a private party sale, so you have proof of ownership.

--Never leave your keys in your vehicle, even at a gas station.

--Never hide a spare ignition key in your vehicle. Remove keys from under the floor mat, from the sun visor or anywhere else.

--When possible, park your vehicle in a secure garage.

--Never leave the vehicle running at any time when you're not in it. This includes your driveway, while picking up friends, at the gas station, or the grocery store.

--Beware of your surroundings prior to leaving your vehicle.

--Use additional caution if your vehicle appears on lists of most stolen vehicles.

The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest AAA affiliate, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by the organization's roadside assistance service, insurance products and services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services, and highway and transportation safety programs. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa-calif.com.