Risk Management Tip

Car Theft Prevention

In warmer months, car theft becomes more prevalent. It is no surprise, then, that Florida has the second-highest car theft rate of any state. The number of stolen vehicles spikes during July every year, and the US Department of Transportation recently named July National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month. A vehicle is stolen every 44 seconds in the US, and almost 45% of cars reported stolen in the US are never recovered. The NHTSA found that up to 50 percent of vehicle thefts are due in part to driver error, including leaving valuables in the seat, leaving windows down, or leaving doors unlocked. Keep these tips in mind as you exit your vehicle:

• Park in well-lit areas
• Always lock your vehicle, and never leave your car running unoccupied when going into a store or building.
• Take all valuables with you, including your keys.
• Hide-a-keys that are attached to the outside of a car are easy-to-find and unsafe.
• If you park outside of your home, bring portable garage door openers inside with you. This prevents someone who breaks into your car from getting easy access into your house via remote control.

For more information, read the US Dept. of Transportation’s Vehicle Theft Prevention Guide.
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