Opinion: Let’s Put the Brakes on Vehicle Theft During the Annual Summer Surge

As we enter the summer months, temperatures are not the only thing on the rise. Vehicle thefts historically surge during summer months and peak during the month of July.

Last year, more than one million vehicles were reported stolen, which accounted for an increase of 1% nationwide compared to 2022, with theft rates rising steadily since 2019. California leads the nation with the highest number of vehicle thefts in 2023 with 208,668 vehicles reported stolen.

Vehicle theft is a persistent threat to public safety and economic well-being, with thousands of vehicles stolen each day across the United States. While it is often considered a standalone crime, vehicle theft has far-reaching implications that extend beyond just property loss. The ripple effects of this crime directly contribute to other illegal activities in addition to the financial burdens placed on individuals and insurance companies.

Stolen vehicles are often used for drug trafficking, robbery, or even acts of terrorism. Thieves may employ stolen cars as getaway vehicles for burglaries, robberies, or other heists, allowing them to quickly evade law enforcement and escape the scene of the crime.

The speed and mobility offered by stolen vehicles make them valuable assets for criminals seeking to maximize their efficiency and minimize the risk of apprehension. Stolen vehicles frequently play a role in more organized criminal operations such as drug trafficking and human smuggling.

Criminal organizations rely on stolen cars to transport contraband and illicit goods across borders or between distribution points, taking advantage of their inconspicuous appearance and ability to blend in with legitimate traffic. In addition to their utility in property crimes and organized criminal activities, stolen vehicles are often used to facilitate violent offenses.

Carjackings, for example, involve the theft of a vehicle through force or intimidation and can result in serious injury or even death to the vehicle’s occupants. Stolen cars may also be used as weapons in ramming attacks or as tools for transporting weapons and explosives in the planning and execution of terrorist acts.

Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses prevention, enforcement, and community engagement. To combat this nationwide epidemic, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to identifying, investigating, preventing, and deterring insurance fraud and crime, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have joined forces as part of National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month to raise awareness, promote education, and encourage collaboration between law enforcement and vehicle owners.

A combination of common sense, technology, and proactive measures can help deter would-be thieves. These include:

• Lock Your Vehicle: Always lock your car, even if you’re just leaving it for a short period. This includes closing all windows and sunroofs.

• Park in Safe Areas: Choose well-lit, populated areas to park your vehicle, especially at night. Parking in a garage or a secure parking lot with surveillance cameras can deter thieves.

• Install an Alarm System: An audible alarm can scare off potential thieves and alert nearby people if someone tries to break into your vehicle.

• Use Anti-Theft Devices: Consider installing additional security measures, such as steering wheel locks, wheel clamps, or a kill switch that disables the ignition system.

• Hide Valuables: Don’t leave valuable items visible in your car, as they can attract thieves. If you must leave items in your vehicle, store them in the trunk or out of sight.

• Don’t Leave Spare Keys Inside: Avoid leaving spare keys inside your car, as thieves can easily find them and steal your vehicle.

• Use a GPS Tracker: Consider installing a GPS tracking device to help locate your vehicle if it’s stolen, increasing the chances of recovery.

• Be Vigilant: Pay attention to your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Thieves often scout potential targets, so being vigilant can deter them.

• Secure Your License Plates: Use security screws or bolts to secure your license plates, as thieves may steal them to avoid detection.

• Use Common Sense: Finally, trust your instincts. If something feels off or unsafe, it’s better to be cautious and find another parking spot or location.

Prevention starts with awareness. By taking proactive measures and following these tips, vehicle owners can fight back and avoid becoming just another statistic.

David J. Glawe is the president and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to combatting and preventing insurance crime. He is a former U.S. Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Intelligence and Analysis.