Tips to Keep Vehicle Safe During Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Insurance Crime Bureau want to help protect vehicle owners by providing information about vehicle security.

Vehicle theft is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the United States, costing vehicle owners more than $8 billion annually. More than one million vehicles were stolen in 2023 — this accounts for a 25% increase in vehicle theft totals over the previous few years. Passenger cars have historically made up most of the stolen vehicles. Estimates show that approximately one vehicle is stolen every 31 seconds.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Hyundai and Kia models took the top three spots of America’s most stolen vehicles in 2023. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Honda Accord, Honda Civic and Ford F-150 series pickup also made the list.

Vehicle owners are reminded to park in well lit areas, close and lock all windows and doors when you park, hide valuable items and don’t leave a running vehicle unattended. Never leave keys in your vehicle and consider purchasing extra layers of protection if the manufacturer does not provide an anti theft system.