Every 44 seconds a motor vehicle is stolen in the United States according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Agency trend data shows that July and August are the worst months for vehicle thefts, but if consumers follow a few simple steps, they can help avoid thefts and increase the chance that vehicles are recovered.
More than 40 percent of motor vehicle theft incidents involve mistakes by drivers according to a press release. So the agency is offering the following advice as part of National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month:
Always take your key, don't leave it in or on your vehicle.
Always close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
Park in well-lit areas.
Always keep your vehicle in your garage, if possible.
Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially where they can be seen.
Never leave the area while your vehicle is running.
Protect your vehicle with an antitheft/immobilizer device.
NHTSA data also show that only 52 percent of stolen vehicles are recovered. If your vehicle is stolen, call the police and your insurance company as soon as possible.
There is also a rise locally in vehicle thefts. The Sheridan Police Department has 18 reported incidents since January 2013 and 20 were reported for all of 2012.