CSP offers life hacks, advice for Auto Theft Month

(COLORADO) — Colorado State Patrol (CSP) is offering the community some very useful life hacks during Auto Theft Month to keep your vehicle safe.

Some Southern Colorado hot spots for auto theft include areas in Colorado Springs, Fountain, Cañon City, Pueblo, Trinidad, Alamosa, Walsenburg, and La Junta. The highest risk of having your car stolen is by compromising basic safety features by leaving the door unlocked or the keys in the vehicle.

Some life hacks CSP provided to motorists include:

1. Lock your vehicle

2. Remove any items

3. Park your car in the garage to prevent auto theft

In 2022 , there were 47,071 attempted vehicle theft, vehicle break-ins, and attempted vehicle break-ins. Auto thefts are often just the first series of crimes, as 73% of adult car thieves are charged with additional offenses such as drug crimes, armed robbery, home invasion, and identity theft.

The Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority recommends motorists:

• Never leave a vehicle that’s running unattended
• Always keep your car doors locked, when driving or parked.
• Always park in well-lit areas.
• Don’t store firearms in your car.
• Avoid leaving documents with your address in the glove box, only keep your registration slip without your address.
• Don’t keep a spare set of keys in your car.
• Keep all valuables in the trunk or hidden from view.
• If you are approached, do not roll down the windows or open a door.
• When buying a used vehicle, always check the VIN to ensure it hasn’t been stolen.
• Manage your risk-buy comprehensive insurance that covers stolen vehicles, consider getting gap insurance.

CSP offers free catalytic converter etching kits, information on where to find them can be found on lockdownyourcar.org. Free steering wheel lock pickups are also available for the public, information as to where to find them can also be found on the website listed in this paragraph.

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