Secure Your Car During National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

In 2016, nearly three quarters of a million vehicles were stolen in the United States. Vehicle theft is a multi-billion-dollar crime, with the cost of stolen vehicles coming in at approximately $5.9 billion in 2016 alone. To help drivers keep their vehicles safe, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is continuing its annual Vehicle Theft Prevention Campaign during July, which is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month.
In the United States:

• Passenger cars make up more than 50 percent of all stolen motor vehicles.
• Forty-two percent of all stolen motor vehicles are never recovered.
• There were 765,484 motor vehicles stolen in 2016.
• A motor vehicle is stolen every 41 seconds in the United States.

Top 10 stolen motor vehicles in 2016:

1. Honda Accord
2. Honda Civic
3. Chevrolet Silverado
4. Toyota Camry
5. Ford F150
6. Nissan Altima
7. Toyota Corolla
8. Ford F250
9. Ford Econoline
10. Chevrolet Impala

Ways you can help prevent motor vehicle theft:

• Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Do not leave the area while your vehicle is running.
• Do not leave your keys in your vehicle.
• Always stow away your valuables.

For more information on motor vehicle theft prevention, visit NHTSA.gov/theft.