Join the Club: New Program Aims to Prevent Car Thefts in Colorado

A Colorado law enforcement agency is bringing back the use of a device that was invented in the 1920s, with hopes of preventing motor vehicle thefts from happening in the region today.

Earlier this week, the Douglas County Sheriff's Office announced its partnership with C-MATT (Colorado's multi-agency auto theft task force). Together, the agencies have an overall goal of reducing the number of vehicle thefts taking place in the state. This is being done through a new program called Lock it or Lose it.

Part of the Lock it or Lose it program includes the distribution of a limited amount of steering wheel "clubs" to Douglas County Residents. The club is a visible device that secures a steering wheel in place with metal chains.

Car owners interested in acquiring a free anti-theft device were required to complete a registration card and pick up the club from the Sheriff's Office Substation or main office. These cards will then be returned to C-MATT in accordance with their grant requirements. At this time, all free steering wheel locks have been given away, however, the sheriff's office is looking into getting more.

While they aren't 100 percent effective all the time, clubbed vehicles do add extra work for criminals attempting to tamper with or steal a car. The locking tool is meant to prevent these types of crimes from taking place, although its use has gone in spurts over the years.