Mercedes-Benz vehicles are some of the most popular vehicles for discerning car buyers. But that also makes them vulnerable prey for car thieves.

It doesn’t have to be this way, though. Here are some suggestions for keeping your Mercedes "out of sight" for potential thieves. Hopefully, you can save yourself the trouble and frustration of ever needing to report a stolen Benz.

• If you have a garage at home, keep your Mercedes locked inside whenever possible. That might mean keeping your garage clean and organized, but it could save you money and time in the long run.
• When visiting public areas, park your Mercedes-Benz in a well-lit area. Thieves avoid illuminated spaces where people can easily see them.
• Always keep your windows up and your doors locked when you park your car, even if it’s in your own driveway. This deters the thieves, who don’t want to break a window or take the time to pick the lock.
• Don’t keep valuables in your vehicle. If you must store belongings in your car, hide them in the trunk or under the seat. Visible valuables attract thieves. Install a radio with a removable face, too. Most of these stereo systems have theft-deterrent features that make them unusable without the face.
• Use locking lug nuts for your spare tire. These types of lug nuts require a special tool to loosen them, so thieves can’t simply steal your spare tire with a normal lug wrench.
• Buy visible theft deterrents, such as steering wheel locking devices or car alarms. Some car alarm companies offer stickers that you can put on your windshield. This deters many thieves from even attempting to steal your car.
• Keep your registration and insurance card in your wallet instead of in the glove box. If a thief does steal your car and gets pulled over, the police will be more suspicious and thoroughly investigate the situation if the driver can’t produce these documents.
• If you’re going on vacation or leaving for several days without your Mercedes, unplug the battery. Car thieves won’t try to figure out why the car won’t start. They’ll just leave it behind instead.
• To avoid a carjacking, be sure you know where you’re going. If you’re in an unfamiliar area, plan your routes before you leave and don’t go through neighborhoods that are less populated. The more people that are around, the less likely thieves are to carjack you.
• Carjackers also tend to target cars in the outside lanes. Stay in the center lanes whenever possible to deter thieves.

There’s nothing better than owning a Mercedes-Benz. But along with the privilege and pleasure of owning one, there is the added responsibility or keeping it as safe as possible. Some of these suggestions might take a little extra effort, but you’ll be thankful you followed them every time you hear that someone else’s car has been stolen.