Vehicle theft is a multi-billion-dollar crime, with the cost of stolen vehicles coming in at approximately $5.9 billion in 2016 alone. To help you keep your vehicle safe, I’d like to remind you of some important statistics as we prepare to mark National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month in July.
In 2017, 672 cars, trucks and other motor vehicles were reported as stolen in Lexington County.
Think about these two national stats for a moment. A motor vehicle is stolen about every 42 seconds in the U.S. and 42 percent of those stolen vehicles are never recovered.
Motor vehicles are the primary mode of transportation for most of us, and often, an indispensable part of our lives. But what would happen if yours suddenly disappeared?
Here are ways you can help prevent motor vehicle theft.
- Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
- Park in well-lit areas.
- Do not leave the area while your vehicle is running.
- Always stow away your valuables.
- Do not leave your keys in your vehicle.
Unfortunately, that last bullet point often goes unheeded. You’d probably be surprised how many people leave their cars running when they go inside a store for a quick purchase. Whether they want to keep the car warm or cool, many just don’t want to turn the car of in the interest of some form of convenience.
Items stolen from inside of your car can also create a headache for you. If you’re not able to take the valuables with you, at least put them in the truck or make sure they’re not in plain view.
These are tried and true ways to greatly reduce your risk of having your car stolen.