Owners can take steps to prevent vehicle thefts

LANSING, Mich. — In 2023, over 1 million vehicle thefts were reported nationally, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This means that a vehicle was stolen every 32 seconds.

July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, which aims to highlight the severity of motor vehicle theft and provide consumers with preventive measures to protect their vehicles. The Automobile Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA) would like to remind Michiganders there are steps they can take to avoid being another statistic.

“We want vehicle owners to know there are precautions they can take to reduce the risk of auto theft,“ said Chris Baldwin, Executive Director of the ATPA. “Something as simple as always locking your car and not leaving the keys inside increase the chances that those looking for an easy theft will move along.”

Additional tips to reduce being a victim of vehicle theft include:

• Park in well-lit areas.

• Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.

• Keep valuables out of sight, such as in the glove box or trunk.

• Do not leave your keys in your vehicle.

• Do not leave the area while your vehicle is running.

• If your manufacturer does not provide an anti-theft system, consider purchasing extra layers of protection for your vehicle.

• Consider being current with your vehicle manufacturers subscription-based communications, emergency services and remote diagnostics systems.

The ATPA, which is housed in the Michigan State Police Grants and Community Services Division, is governed by a Board of Directors that includes representatives from law enforcement, automobile insurers and consumers of automobile insurance. Each year the board awards grants to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors’ offices and non-profit organizations to help prevent motor vehicle theft and assist in the investigation of motor vehicle-related crimes. The ATPA is funded by an annual $1 assessment on each insured vehicle, plus interest earned by investment of those funds.

For more information regarding Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, people can visit: https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/vehicle-theft-prevention.