In the following article by NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) the vehicle model and order of vehicle theft occurrences (or claims) differs from that reported in the following article by The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The difference might be attributable to the fact that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety catalogues its vehicle theft statistics by insurance theft claims for passenger vehicles 2010-2012 and not vehicle thefts as does NHTSA. Many claims result from the theft of equipment or parts from truck beds and other passenger vehicles causing a different statistical interpretation. - Editor

CONSUMER ADVISORY:
VEHICLE THEFTS INCREASE IN THE SUMMER MONTHS
NHTSA OFFERS SAFETY TIPS FOR CAR OWNERS

By Derrell Lyles

Every 44 seconds a motor vehicle is stolen in the United States according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Agency trend data shows that July and August are the worst months for vehicle thefts, but if consumers follow a few simple steps they can help avoid thefts and increase the chance that vehicles are recovered.

More than 40 percent of motor vehicle theft incidents involve mistakes by drivers. To help protect your vehicle and personal belongings from being stolen the agency is offering the following advice as part of National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month:

  • Always take your key, don't leave it in or on your vehicle.

  • Always close and lock all windows and doors when you park.

  • Park in well lit areas.

  • Always keep your vehicle in your garage, if possible.

  • Never, ever leave valuables in your vehicle, especially where they can be seen.

  • Never, ever leave the area while your vehicle is running.

  • Protect your vehicle with an antitheft/immobilizer device.


NHTSA data also show that only 52 percent of stolen vehicles are recovered. Below are some steps you should take if your vehicle has been stolen:

  • Contact the police immediately to file a stolen vehicle report.

  • You may also be asked to provide the following information: License plate number, make, model and color of car, VIN number and any identifying characteristics.

  • Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim within 24 hours of when you discovered your vehicle was stolen.

  • If you find your vehicle before authorities do, contact the police and your insurance company immediately.


Vehicle Theft Prevention:
What Consumers Should Know

A MOTOR VEHICLE IS STOLEN EVERY 44 SECONDS IN THE UNITED STATES.

The top ten reported stolen vehicles from NHTSA's 2010 theft rate data compilation are:

    1. Dodge Charger

    2. Pontiac G6

    3. Chevrolet Impala

    4. Chrysler 300

    5. Infiniti FX35

    6. Mitsubishi Galant

    7. Chrysler Sebring

    8. Lexus SC

    9. Dodge Avenger

    10. Kia Rio



DID YOU KNOW?

  • 40-50% of vehicle theft is due to driver error.

  • The top two months for vehicle thefts are July and August.

  • Only about 52% of stolen vehicles are recovered.


USE COMMON SENSE WHEN PARKING AND EXITING YOUR VEHICLE.

  • Take your key; don't leave it in or on your vehicle.

  • Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.

  • Park in well-lit areas - in a garage, if possible.

  • Never leave valuables in your vehicle, and specially in sight.


WE ARE ALL SUSCEPTIBLE TO VEHICLE THEFT.

The ten (10) U.S. States with the most stolen vehicles are:

    1. California

    2. Florida

    3. Texas

    4. New York

    5. Illinois

    6. Georgia

    7. New Jersey

    8. Maryland

    9. North Carolina

    10. Nevada


THIEVES WANT PARTS AND VALUABLE ITEMS, TOO.

Radios and wheel covers aren't the only popular stolen vehicle parts thieves take. They want whatever sells, from the mandated labeled parts to those that aren't. Among some of the most popular parts or items left in vehicles are: engine, transmission, air bags, radios, GPS units, iPods, laptops,
and purses.

Click image above to enlarge

 

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