The National Insurance Crime Bureau claims that car thefts due to keys being left in the car are on the rise. There have even been reports of these car being stolen and driven to the owner’s home, with the thieves breaking in to those as well. Hawaii is the only state that has not had a reported case of such a crime.
Key Takeaways:
- Since many people won’t admit to leaving their vehicle unlocked with the keys or fob inside, the actual numbers for these kinds of thefts may be considerably higher than the report indicates.
- Take a photo of your registration on your cell phone and don’t leave the registration or other papers with personal information in the vehicle.
- Lock the vehicle, set the alarm, and take all keys or fobs.
““Anti-theft technology has had a tremendous impact on reducing thefts over the past 25 years, but if you don’t lock it up, it’s not going to help,” said NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle. “Complacency can lead to a huge financial loss and inconvenience for the vehicle owner. Leaving a vehicle unlocked or with the key or FOB inside gives a thief the opportunity to take not only the car, but also any possessions inside. It can also provide access to your personal information if the registration is left in the glove compartment.””