As a Ferrari owner, you know that having added this prized vehicle to your investment portfolio, it pays to take proper care of it. Routine Ferrari maintenance, proper insurance, careful driving and care play a big part in how well your Ferrari drives in the future. However, one important aspect of Ferrari care that you don’t want to forget is protecting your automotive treasure from theft.

A lot will depend on how you use the Ferrari. If it is a display piece that remains indoors, protection is greatly simplified. If you drive the vehicle outdoors, a few steps should be taken to ensure your vehicle remains safe from damage.

Simple precautions can help prevent big crimes like car theft. When leaving your vehicle, always secure it and be sure to park in well-lit areas where there are many people walking. When you park your vehicle, turn the wheels sharply toward the curb to make it more difficult for car thieves to tow your vehicle. Do not leave Ferrari accessories visible inside the vehicle. Also do not leave the license plate or title inside the car.

Other steps that can help prevent theft include adding visible and audible anti-theft devices to the car. Brake locks can help. Steering wheel locks that keep wheels stationary make your car more theft-proof. Locks and tire deflators can deter a thief because they take too long to operate, making your car less attractive to a would-be thief. VIN etching, when the VIN number is etched into the glass of the windshield and windows, may be an option you might consider to protect your vehicle. Loud alarms also let a thief know that your car is protected from theft.

Computer chips can help deter a thief from stealing your Ferrari. Some ignition keys come equipped with chips that do not allow someone to bypass the ignition of the vehicle. Preventive devices such as fuse cutouts; kill switches; deactivators that disable the fuel pump, ignition and starter motor; and wireless power-on authentication help prevent theft. Tracking devices are very useful in helping police find stolen vehicles. Some of these combine wireless capabilities with GPS systems, so if the car moves, it can be tracked on the computer. Many Ferraris also come equipped with peripheral interior monitoring anti-lift anti-theft protection, which is a camera system used inside the car to detect movement inside the vehicle. Even when you’re not in your new Ferrari, your vehicle’s computer system works 24 hours a day to protect you. Using several or all of these ideas can keep your car safe.