Summer can mean many things, sun, vacations, time outdoors, it also means an increase in car theft. Data from AAA shows that a car is stolen every 48 seconds in urban areas. Syracuse is one of the highest risk cities in the state, with city data showing that more than two car thefts a day have occurred in the Salt City in the past 16 weeks.
As part of the month-long initiative, AAA insurance shared tips for drivers to protect themselves from thieves. AAA recommends parking in well-lit areas and ensuring doors and windows are locked when leaving your vehicle. Visual deterrents are also recommended. Things such as steering wheel locks and theft deterrent decals and stickers can be enough to convince thieves that they won’t be able to make a quick enough getaway.
The importance of up-to-date insurance was also stressed. “Comprehensive insurance coverage is recommended, even if your vehicle is paid off,” said David Kirst insurance sales and operations manager for AAA, “It can help cover a stolen vehicle as well as damage from severe weather, falling trees or an animal running into the road.”
AAA further urges drivers in high-risk areas to outfit their cars with trackers in the event of a worst-case scenario, as well as taking all valuables out of the car or hiding them from plain view.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Insurance Crime Bureau have dubbed July “National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month.” It’s an initiative to educate drivers in tactics to defend themselves from vehicular theft in the areas most impacted.
FOUR KEY AREAS OF CAR-THEFT PREVENTION
1. Awareness: Nearly half of vehicle thefts could have been prevented by the owner according to NHTSA. Whenever you leave your car, make sure you:
- Park in a well-lit area
- Lock the doors and close the windows
- Remove spare keys from inside the vehicle
- Move valuables and other items out of view
2. Deterrence: Vehicles that are easy to break into and allow for a quick getaway are attractive to thieves. Visible theft deterrents signal that your car could be difficult to steal. Consider using:
- Steering wheel locks
- Brake pedal locks
- Theft deterrent decals
- Audible alarm systems
3. Immobilization: Immobilizing devices prevent a car from being hot-wired. Late model vehicles come with immobilization devices, and after-market options are available. These include:
- Smart keys
- Fuse cut-offs and kill switches
- Starter or fuel pump disablers
- Wireless ignition authentication systems
4. Tracking: A tracking device emits a signal when a vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles.
