Dear readers: Welcome to “Avoiding Having Your Car Stolen 101.” Here we go:

• Never leave your car running when it’s unattended, even for a quick jaunt into the convenience store. Turn off the ignition and take your keys.

• Never leave valuables visible in the car — laptops, purses, tote bags, phones, sneakers. Keep these items covered in the trunk or at home.

• Keep the windows rolled up and the doors locked.

• Park in well-lit areas that are busy.

• Carry your registration and insurance information in your wallet; don’t leave it in the car. Try not to leave anything with your name and/or address in the car.

• Avoid the “bump and rob.” A car with two people in it will rear-end your vehicle and expect you to get out and exchange information, at which point they would jump in your car and drive off. Go to the police station if your vehicle is bumped. A legitimate accident-causer will follow you to safety.

According to the FBI, $6.4 billion was lost to motor vehicle theft in 2019, the latest statistics available. — Heloise Dear Heloise: When people leave a voicemail, it would be helpful if they talked slowly and pronounced clearly, especially phone numbers. So often they rattle it off so fast, it’s hard to understand what they’ve said. — Ellen, via email Ellen, I totally agree. And repeating the phone number at the end of the message is very helpful. — Heloise Hello Heloise: I just read your column on the COVID vaccine card. I wanted to pass on to you that office supply stores (at least in my area) will make a photocopy of your vaccine card and laminate that for you for free. That way, you can carry the laminated copy and put your original card in safekeeping at home. — Vickie W., in Rochester, Ill.

Dear Heloise: I find it helpful when I go to have my toes done to take along a shoehorn for when I need to put my shoes back on. — Vic B., Summerfield, Fla.