Vehicle thefts nearing report ranges – report

Vehicle thefts within the US are on the rise and nearing report ranges, a brand new report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has proven.

Analysis by the group discovered that just about 500,000 autos have been reported stolen within the nation through the first half of the yr, up 2% from the identical interval in 2022.

Illinois skilled essentially the most substantial enhance amongst any state, with automobile thefts growing by 38%. New York got here in second with a 20% enhance, adopted by Ohio with a 15% hike.

Vehicle thefts additionally elevated in Texas (9%), Georgia (9%), and Missouri (3%), based on the report.  

And whereas the variety of instances decreased in Florida (-1%), California (-2%), Washington (-12%) and Colorado (-19%), they have been nonetheless among the many checklist of 10 states with the best fee of thefts.

“Vehicle thefts increased to near-record highs in the United States last year, and unfortunately, current trends indicate total thefts this year may surpass 2022,” stated NICB president and CEO David J. Glawe in a information launch.  “With little deterrent to stop these criminal actors, law enforcement agencies and communities will continue to suffer.”

NICB’s report moreover revealed that automobile thefts averaged greater than 80,000 instances between January and July 2023. The peak occurred in May, with 87,993 autos reported stolen to legislation enforcement.

Commenting on these findings, Glawe urged people to take proactive measures to safeguard their autos.

“The good news is there are several proactive and commonsense steps consumers can take to help deter vehicle theft, including the most important, which is to never leave your keys or key fob in the car,” he stated. “Always lock the doors and roll up your windows and never leave valuables in plain sight; instead place them in your trunk or out of sight.”

The NICB report is predicated on information from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Its launch coincides with National Crime Prevention Month.

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