The security of the Cadillac Escalade for the 2012 model year will be improved by a raft of upgrades developed by General Motors, which made the announcement in late August. Recently, GM has specified complete details concerning the changes made on the luxury SUV, which be better protected from thefts. According to a recent study released by the Highway Loss Data Institute, the Cadillac Escalade is six times more exposed to thefts as compared to the average vehicle, both because of its popularity and it is easier to be stolen. Bill Biondo, GM's global leader for vehicle theft prevention, stated that their goal was to make the Escalade a very difficult target for thieves without compromising the customers' comfort. The added strong protections are not visible as they work in the background. The key security enhancements for the 2012 Escalade comprise an inclination sensor that sets off an alarm when the system senses an unwarranted change of the angle of the vehicle, a more robust steering column-lock system, a shock sensor which reduces content theft and pushes away theft by sounding the alarm when, for example, a window is broken. The theft of Escalade's wheels and tires is also prevented by an available new wheel lock system. GM further announced that OnStar provided standard additional security that features a remote ignition lock meant to prevent the vehicle from starting if a break-in is detected. Biondo added that the technologies exceeded security specifications among global vehicle security analysts as they integrate one of the most extensive sets of theft-deterrent measures. The Detroit automaker also released some tips for the drivers to help them prevent thefts. They advise the customers not to leave valuables in plain sight, to park vehicles in well-lit areas, not to leave the cars running with the keys in ignition, to always lock the vehicle with the key fob, to use wheel locks with premium wheels, not to leave the driver's license, registration and certificate in the car and to acquire a vehicle with OnStar or the aftermarket OnStar FMV mirror, which will track the vehicle if it is stolen.