A vehicle is reported stolen once every 45 seconds in the United States. And last year, one out of every eight of those thefts had keys left in the vehicle. That’s a pretty easy vehicle theft!
As reported in the Claims Journal, this is a growing problem according to the latest report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). With 57,096 thefts in 2015, it was a 22 percent increase over the previous year. Over the past three years, this kind of theft grew by 31 percent.
Since many people do not admit to leaving their car unlocked with the keys or FOB inside, the actual numbers of thefts with the keys left in vehicles may be considerably higher than the report indicates.
“Anti-theft technology has had a tremendous impact on reducing thefts over the past 25 years, but if you don’t lock it up, it’s not going to help,” said NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle. “Complacency can lead to a huge financial loss and inconvenience for the vehicle owner. Leaving a vehicle unlocked or with the key or FOB inside gives a thief the opportunity to take not only the car, but also any possessions inside. It can also provide access to your personal information if the registration is left in the glove compartment. We have reports from our law enforcement partners that car thieves have stolen the car, driven it to the residence and burglarized the home before the owner even knew the vehicle was missing.”
In 2013, there were 43,643 thefts; 46,695 thefts in 2014 and 57,096 in 2015. From 2013 to 2015, the increase was 31 percent.
Want to protect your car? Start by locking up! Want to learn more about your auto insurance options? Contact us, LG Insurance Agency, your local Jersey Shore Agent working for you!
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