Americans put in long hours to afford motor vehicles. Whether it’s a family minivan hauling kids to school and parents to work, or a sporty hot rod that’s fulfilling a long-awaited retirement dream, that hard-earned vehicle should never end up in the hands of thieves. July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month. This month, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is warning vehicle owners about the threat of vehicle theft.
Vehicle theft is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the United States, costing vehicle owners more than $8 billion in 2022 alone. That same year, more than one million vehicles were stolen in the United States, accounting for a 25% increase in vehicle theft totals over the previous few years. Historically, passenger cars made up more than 74% of all stolen motor vehicle. Estimates show that approximately one motor vehicle is stolen every 32 seconds.
How can you keep your vehicle safe? Always:
- Park in well-lit areas.
- Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
- Hide your valuables.
- Do not leave your keys in your vehicle.
- Do not leave the area while your vehicle is running.
- Consider purchasing extra layers of protection for your vehicle if your manufacturer does not provide an anti-theft system. This could be something like an anti-theft system, which can be easily purchased online or in a store.
For more information on motor vehicle theft prevention, visit NHTSA.gov/theft. For additional resources, visit NICB.org.
