NYC TLC Vehicle Security Checklist
Your vehicle is more than transportation. It is your workspace, your schedule, and a key part of your income. A short security routine at the end of every shift can reduce avoidable problems and help you start the next day ready to work.
1. Choose visibility when you park
When possible, use a well-lit area with regular foot traffic. Before you step away, take a moment to look at the space around you: Is the vehicle clearly visible? Are there loose items in view? Is there enough room to leave safely without rushing?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends parking in well-lit places when possible and removing visible valuables.
2. Make a full shutdown part of every stop
Even a quick stop deserves the same routine: turn off the ignition, take the key or key fob with you, close every window, lock every door, and confirm the vehicle is secure before walking away.
The NYPD specifically advises drivers not to leave keys in the ignition and to lock doors and windows whenever a vehicle is unattended.
3. Keep the cabin clear
A bag, phone mount, charging cable, paperwork folder, or loose electronic device can signal that there may be more inside. Before ending your shift, take the items that matter most or put them out of sight. A clear cabin also makes it easier to notice if something is missing before the next passenger enters.
4. Consider practical deterrents
Visible theft-deterrent tools can make a vehicle harder to take and may encourage a thief to move on. Depending on your vehicle and parking situation, that could include an alarm, a steering-wheel lock, or other manufacturer-approved anti-theft equipment. Choose equipment that fits your vehicle and does not interfere with safe operation.
5. Keep your vehicle details in one secure place
Save your vehicle identification number, license plate number, make, model, color, insurance information, and a few recent photos somewhere you can access without relying on the vehicle itself. The NYPD also offers property-protection programs, including VIN etching and Combat Auto Theft. The program’s overnight driving restriction may not fit every professional driver’s schedule, so check the details before enrolling.
6. Know what to do if something happens
If you discover a theft or damage, prioritize your safety. Contact the appropriate authorities, document what you can without putting yourself at risk, and notify your insurer promptly. NHTSA recommends reporting a stolen vehicle to law enforcement and contacting your insurer.
For TLC drivers, preparation is part of protecting your livelihood. The goal is not to eliminate every risk. It is to build simple habits that make each shift easier to start, easier to finish, and easier to recover from when plans change.
Agape drivers can find current support resources, document tools, and contact information in the Driver Hub.
Sources: NYPD, NYPD Property Protection Services, and NHTSA.
