Hopefully, you’ll never know that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach that occurs when you walk out to where you left your car and find it gone. Fortunately, most car thieves are opportunists – if you make your car hard for them to steal, they’ll move on to an easier target.

First, you should always lock your car – even when you’re driving and even in your own driveway. And always take your keys with you; they should never be left in the car. That “hide a key” under the wheel well that you think no one knows about? They know. If you need an extra key, consider stashing one in your purse or wallet instead.

When you car is parked, close all windows and the sunroof, and don’t leave anything valuable where others can see it in your car. This includes purses, laptops, mp3 players and portable DVD players.

Never leave your car unattended while it is running. Even if you only need to step into a convenience store for a moment, turn your car off, lock it and take your keys with you.

In addition, your car’s title should be store in a safe location, not in your car. If you need to have proof of registration in your car, keep it in an unlikely place where only you or someone authorized can find it.

And if your car doesn’t have an anti-theft system, you can have one installed. The more difficult you make your car to steal, the more likely it is that thieves will move on to easier prey. Some car insurers also offer discounts for certain anti-theft systems, so it may not cost you as much as you think.

When you park your car at night, choose a well lit location – thieves prefer to work under the cover of darkness. You should always be aware of your surroundings, so don’t approach your car chatting on your cell phone or otherwise distracted. This makes you a target, as well as your car.

When you’re driving, choose routes that avoid high crime areas – even if it adds time to your trip. And when you’re parking your car in a parking garage, choose an area near the attendant whenever possible.

And especially if you have an expensive car, consider having your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) engraved on each window. This will greatly inconvenience thieves and they’ll likely pass by your car for one that’s easier to steal.

One popular tactic among thieves is called the bump and rob. Another car may bump yours and when you get out to see if there’s any damage, both you and your car are vulnerable and your car may be stolen. If your car is bumped by another car, use your cell phone to call the police or drive to a populated area if you feel uncomfortable of threatened before getting out. Leave room between your car and the car in front of you so that you aren’t trapped and can maneuver your car away if you need to.

Most importantly, if you’re confronted by someone who wants to take your car, let them have it. Your life is more valuable than your car.