BOISE – July is Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, and AAA is sharing important information about protecting your car.
About every 30 seconds, a vehicle is stolen somewhere in the United States – more than a million cars each year. Shockingly, nearly half of these vehicles are never recovered, with many chopped down for parts.
“It starts with preventing crimes of opportunity,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “If you don’t make it easy to steal, you’ll be less of a target.”
AAA’s theft prevention tips include:
- Never leave your vehicle running when you go into a business or convenience store, even for something quick.
- Park in well-lit areas and use motion detectors and spotlights at home.
- Consider installing video cameras and a home security system.
- Never leave anything that looks valuable in plain sight.
- Consider having your VIN number etched on your catalytic converter to make it more difficult to steal and sell.
“Talk to your insurance agent about comprehensive coverage, which can be used in the event of theft or vandalism,” Conde said. “Photograph your vehicle from several different angles, including any aftermarket parts or customization.”
One of the best ways to prevent vehicle theft is to reduce the demand for it. AAA urges vehicle owners and repair shops to purchase secondhand parts from trusted sources. This will ensure greater transparency and may also prevent the installation and use of counterfeit parts that could pose a safety risk.