July is Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

Don’t think your car can get stolen? Think again! In 2022, over 1 million people had their cars stolen. Even more surprising was the fact that in about 54% of these cases, the theft was a result of user error, such a  leaving your key fob in your unlocked car.

Is my vehicle a target? Auto theft is a crime of opportunity. Contrary to what some may think, used trucks and cars are targeted more than newer models because their lack of anti-theft devices makes them easier to steal. Here are the top 10 most stole vehicles in Arizona according to 2021 data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

If your car is on the older side or listed above, consider investing in additional security features such as a tracking device, steering wheel locks, steering column collars, tire locks, or window alarms.

Cars are an indispensable part of our lives, especially during the scorching summer months. That’s why we are encouraging our subscribers to follow this layered approach to safeguard their vehicles:

• Park in a well-lit area or in a garage
• Remove all valuables (think: electronics, shopping bags, guns)
• Roll up your windows and put up your sunshades
• Lock your doors
• Take your key/fobs inside

What should you do if your vehicle is stolen? 
Call 911 and make a report. Cars that are reported stolen within the first 24 hours have a 34% higher chance of being recovered. When you call make sure you have:

• License plate number
• Make, model and color of your vehicle
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• List of any other identifying characteristics
• Take photos of your vehicle now and keep them saved on your phone.

After you make your report, call your insurance company, and make a list of any personal property in the vehicle. If you had documents with personal information and spare house keys or a garage clicker in your vehicle, be on alert for identity theft and home burglary.

The Watch Your Car Program is a free service that assists law enforcement in recovering stolen vehicles. Participating owners enroll their vehicles and are issued a decal that tells law enforcement their vehicle should not be in use between the hours of 1:00 and 5:00 a.m. or any time within one mile of the international border. To learn more and sign up click here.