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Most people would say their car is one of the most valuable assets they own — if not the most valuable. Despite that, however, some people make it downright easy for thieves to drive off in their pride and joy.

We don’t want you walking out the door to an empty driveway or parking space, so take care to avoid these five mistakes.

1. Leave your car running... and unattended.  We know it can be chilly in the mornings, and who wants to wait in a cold car while it warms up?  Well, a thief certainly won't mind the chill!  If your car is running, you should be in it.

2. Put valuables in plain sight.  Simple enough, but we all seem to still make this mistake.  You think you'll be in the store for just a second, no one will notice your smart phone charging in the cup holder.  Think again!

3. Keep a spare set of keys inside the car.  Law enforcement agencies say this is a great way to turn a car prowler into a car thief. They’re already breaking into your car to get a phone, or a laptop, etc. What do you think they’re going to do when they find a set of keys? They’re not going to drop them off on your porch with a nice note, that’s for sure.

4. Leave your car unsecured.  The best thieves can work wonders with a window that's left open even just a crack.  And even the novice thief can steal a car that's been left unlocked, with no alarm set.

5. Assume nobody would want to steal your car.  Think your car is too old or too undesirable for a thief to bother?  Scrap metal is worth money, so never assume that your car is safe - even if you think it's just a "junker".

Keeping thieves away helps to keep everyone’s insurance costs down, so avoiding these mistakes not only will save you hassle, it will save you money as well. So stay safe, not only on the roads, but in the parking lots as well!