75 Tips for the Tailgater: Common Sense is Your Best Defense

  1. Hot-wing sauce on your door handle does not count as an approved anti-theft device.
  2. Forgot your stereo? Push your car alarm remote to the tune of the Eagles fight song.
  3. Veteran tailgaters know that hiding keys in the car is a ticket to finding your spot empty after the game!
  4. While you’re tricking out your tailgate-mobile, be sure to VINgrave your auto glass by etching in your Vehicle Identification Number, along with an Eagles logo, of course.
  5. Stashing loot under your locked car may be safer than inside your unlocked car.
  6. Write your name and contact info on an old Eagles ticket and drop it inside your car door — this will identify you as an Eagles fan (important) and where your car was titled and registered (good to know).
  7. Add this to your ultimate tailgate checklist:  an anti-theft device for your car (no excuses—even beat-up old cars get stolen for parts).
  8. When bringing your own porta-potty, be sure to place it by the driver side door so thieves can’t easily get to the ignition.
  9. Don’t leave your prized autographed jersey in your car — you’re asking for a break-in! 
  10.  Always tailgate in well “lit” areas and see tip #15.
  11.  While it may seem an unlikely target, your 1994 Dodge Caravan with its airbrushed Eagles tribute is among the most commonly stolen vehicles. 
  12.  Make extra food — would-be car thieves may choose another target after a free meal.
  13.  Videotaping your girlfriend in front of your car for fans-gone-wild is not an effective way of documenting your vehicle.
  14.  Don’t crank your music up so high that your VIN plate pops off the dash (this is critical to tracing your car if it’s stolen).
  15.  If you abandon your tailgate to attend the game (rookie!), be sure to close the windows and lock the doors.
  16.  Please be sure your vehicle is in park (standard transmissions should be left in gear) and your emergency brake is on. You don’t want all your raucous excitement to cause a moving violation in the parking lot!
  17. The primary reason for getting a vehicle tracking system is not so people can find your tailgate — though your creativity is commendable!
  18.  Audio alarms are not just for cars — they work great on grills, coolers and trunks, too!
  19.  Listen to your cheerleaders — D-E-F-E-N-S-E  (Common sense is the best defense!)
  20.  Real tailgaters know never to leave their vehicle running.
  21.  When winter weather hits, be prepared and be smart — vehicles abandoned in parking lots or along the road are easy targets.
  22.  Leave your car parked safely in your garage, take public transportation to the stadium and find a friendly tailgate.
  23.  Remind all your party buddies to “lock it or lose it” in a nice way, of course.
  24.  Disguising your car as a giant Philly cheese steak will not guarantee its protection, but it should garner some interesting looks.
  25.  Before you get on the road to victory, take a good look around and under your vehicle for any suspicious individuals—including but not limited to—NY and Dallas fans (leave the scene immediately if you are uneasy and call the police).

For 50 additional tips, please visit ATPA's 50 Tips for Auto Theft Prevention.