"That's how it started, just for fun," he said.

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And for 15 years since he's perfected the trade, he's been busted by police time and again.

"I steal cars that I like," he said. "This car here, it would be very easy for me to steal, but because it has the Club on it, I won't mess with it," he said.

Now he's out of the game and sharing his secrets with you, so that you can better protect what's yours.

We took this ex-car thief to his favorite place to steal cars, a big parking lot.

The first opportunity was a Toyota Camry with an elderly couple inside.

"I would walk towards the passenger side and look at the ignition and see if there's a key in there. If there's a key and this is the car I want, I'd get them out of the car," the ex-thief said.

The mistake this couple made? The keys are in the ignition.

This is the owner, just back from shopping.

Jennifer Donelan: "Because the keys were in there, all he said he would've done is taken your father and your mother, taken them out of the car and take off."

Man: "Yeah, but that doesn't happen in an area like this."

Jennifer Donelan: "It can happen anywhere."

Man: "Well, I'm lucky to meet you guys."

Meet this woman. She was about to leave the keys in the ignition, while another adult stayed in the car. In the back seat is a little girl and a baby. Our ex-thief says that they are an easy target.

Jennifer Donelan: "Would you change what you're doing right here now?"

Woman: "Yeah, I would, I wouldn't leave the keys in the ignition. I can take 'em out now."

Our ex-thief explains because the keys are ready to start the car, he'd easily take the car and precious cargo in seconds.

"I wouldn't throw the baby out, because I wouldn't waste time. I would just drive with it."

Jennifer: He would've driven with the baby, that's scary."

Thief: "I wouldn't take 'em out, I'd leave in the car."

As we continue identifying targets, our ex-thief warns: Watch where you park, parking a small car between two large cars like SUV's provides cover for a thief.

Here are other tips to avoid becoming a victim:

• Park in a well-lit area.
• Lock doors.
• Take key out of the ignition.
• Get in and out quickly.
• Anti-theft devices work.

  One woman who we interviewed said that her window had no frame, so a thief could easily pull it back and steal the car. But she spent $60 dollars on a steering column lock.

  Our ex-thief checked it out.

  "I won't mess with it," he said.

  Experts say that the main key to keeping your car is to do things that will slow a thief down.

  "I could steal this car in 10 seconds, but because it's got the club in there, I won't mess with it," our ex-thief said.

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