Cost of Auto Theft & Vehicle Theft Prevention

Even though auto theft has reached its lowest level since 1967, a lot of cars are still being stolen. To illustrate the impact of vehicle theft, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released this graphic. It shows many stark facts: For instance, a car is stolen in America every 33 seconds, and nearly half of all thefts happen because drivers forget to take common-sense measures to protect their vehicles and end up leaving the key in the ignition or the doors unlocked.

Vehicle Theft Prevention - What Consumers Should Know:

- 72% of all motor vehicles reported stolen are passenger cars
- In the United States a motor vehicle is stolen every 33 seconds
- More than half of thefts occur in areas where vehicles are parked without attendants
- Nearly Half of theft is due to driver error like leaving keys in the ignition or leaving doors unlocked
- Only 57% of vehicles reported as stolen are recovered

Prevent vehicle theft by:
- Closing and locking all windows and doors when you park
- Parking in well-lit areas
- Never leaving the area while your vehicle is running
- Never leaving valuables in your vehicle

The Top 10 U.S. Cities with the highest auto theft rates:

1. Laredo, TX
2. Modesto, CA
3. Bakersfield, CA
4. Stockton, CA
5. Fresno, CA
6. Yakima, WA
7. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
8. Visalia/Porterville
9. Las Vegas-Paradise, NV
10. Albuquerque, NM

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