Driver guide · Ford of Peoria · Peoria, IL
Car Theft and Carjacking Prevention Tips
Most of what keeps a car from being stolen takes seconds: lock it, take the keys, park where people can see. Here are the Illinois State Police's do's and don'ts for preventing vehicle theft and carjacking, what to do if another car bumps you, and what to do and remember if you are ever carjacked, for drivers in and around Peoria.
The short answer
Lock your car and take your keys every time, park in well-lit, visible areas, and never leave the car running and unattended or valuables inside. Do not sit in a parked car on your phone. If someone carjacks you, do not argue or fight: give up the vehicle, say if a child is inside, remember what you can and contact police.
Do this every time you park
The Illinois State Police's vehicle theft and carjacking prevention do's:
Stay aware
Be aware of your surroundings.
Park in the open
Park in well-lit, visible areas.
Lock and take the keys
Lock your car and take your keys, every time.
Leave an exit
Leave space in front of your vehicle so you are not boxed in and can get away.
From the Illinois State Police, "Vehicle Theft & Carjacking Prevention" card, read October 29, 2026.
Never do this
The ISP's don'ts:
Unlocked or running
Do not leave your car unlocked, whether it is running or unattended.
Valuables inside
Do not leave valuables in your car, ever.
Parked on your phone
Do not sit in your car while using your phone.
From the Illinois State Police, "Vehicle Theft & Carjacking Prevention" card, read October 29, 2026.
If another car bumps you from behind
The ISP warns drivers to beware of the bump. If another car hits you from behind, keep your doors locked and your windows up. Signal the other driver to follow you to a police station or another populated area, and call police.
From the Illinois State Police, "Vehicle Theft & Carjacking Prevention" card, read October 29, 2026.
If you are carjacked
The ISP's advice if you are a carjacking victim:
Do not resist
Do not argue or fight with the carjacker.
Speak up about children
Let them know if a child is in the vehicle.
Let it go
Give up your vehicle and the possessions inside. They can be replaced; you cannot.
Get help fast
Contact police as soon as possible.
From the Illinois State Police, "Vehicle Theft & Carjacking Prevention" card, read October 29, 2026.
What to remember for police
The ISP says to notice and remember as much as you can:
| Detail | What to note |
|---|---|
| The carjacker | Height, weight, race, sex, age, clothing and tattoos |
| Where they went | Direction of travel |
| Other vehicles | Whether other vehicles were involved, and their make, model, color and license plate |
From the Illinois State Police, "Vehicle Theft & Carjacking Prevention" card, read October 29, 2026.
Service at Ford of Peoria
The Works® at Ford of Peoria includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Book it any time you want a general checkup.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Ford of Peoria is at 2211 W. Pioneer Pkwy. in Peoria. Get directions.
Ford of Peoria service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-noon |
| Sun | closed |
From Ford of Peoria's website, October 29, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Car theft prevention FAQ
How can I keep my car from being stolen?
The Illinois State Police (ISP) says to lock your car and take your keys every time, park in well-lit, visible areas, never leave your car unlocked while it is running or unattended, and never leave valuables in it.
Is it safe to leave my car running to warm it up?
The ISP's list of don'ts starts with not leaving your car unlocked, running or unattended. Stay with the vehicle, or lock it and take the keys.
What is a bump-and-rob?
It is when another car hits yours from behind. The ISP says to beware of the bump: keep your doors locked and windows up, signal the other driver to follow you to a police station or another populated area, and call police.
What should I do if I am carjacked?
The ISP says do not argue or fight with the carjacker, tell them if a child is in the vehicle, and give up the vehicle and the possessions inside, because they can be replaced and you cannot. Then contact police as soon as possible.
What should I remember after a carjacking?
The ISP says to notice and remember as much as you can: height, weight, race, sex, age, clothing and tattoos; the direction of travel; and whether other vehicles were involved, with their make, model, color and license plate.
Why should I leave space in front of my car?
The ISP says to leave space in front of your vehicle so you are not boxed in and can get away.
What does The Works at Ford of Peoria include?
The Works® at Ford of Peoria includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Schedule a checkup
Book The Works, which includes a battery test, brake inspection and Multi-Point Inspection, at Ford of Peoria.
Sources
Theft and carjacking prevention tips are from the Illinois State Police, read October 29, 2026. In an emergency, follow the instructions of police. Service details, address and hours are from Ford of Peoria's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Vehicle Theft & Carjacking Prevention (card ISP 24-07-002), Illinois State Police, read October 29, 2026
- Traffic & Safety: Safety Brochures (brochure list), Illinois State Police, read October 29, 2026
- General service: The Works, Ford of Peoria, October 29, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Ford of Peoria, October 29, 2026