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Pandemic Leading to Increase in Auto Thefts and Burglaries

Auto Club reminds drivers to take steps to prevent auto crimes this summer

Driving in fog by Michael Gil
Photo copyright Michael Gil https://www.flickr.com/photos/msvg/ http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Many Southern California law enforcement agencies are reporting an increase in vehicle thefts and burglaries due to the pandemic. The reasons law enforcement give for the spike in auto crimes include: drivers are at home and not using or checking on their vehicles as much, summer school classes and activities are cancelled giving teens more free time, and criminals are looking for crimes of opportunity.

Auto crimes typically increase in the summer and are increasing more this year due to the pandemic, which is why the Auto Club reminds vehicle owners to protect their property. Although the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reports that auto thefts nationally have fallen for the last two years, they are up this year. According to the FBI, a motor vehicle is stolen every 42 seconds in the U.S., totaling $6.3 billion per year.

In California, more than 151,000 cars and trucks were stolen in 2019, at an estimated total value of approximately $1.2 billion, according to the California Highway Patrol. The Golden State leads the nation in the number of auto crimes involving drivers who leave keys or fobs inside their cars and trucks.

CHP data shows during the first six months of this year (1/1/20 to 6/30/20), there were 24,850 vehicle thefts in Los Angeles County, which is nearly a 22 percent increase over the same period last year. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reports 19 stations have seen increases in grand theft auto, and 15 of those stations saw double-digit increases.

“There are many steps vehicle owners can take to prevent thieves from stealing their belongings or their vehicle, which is one of the most expensive items people own,” said Claudia Rodriguez, Auto Club Vice President of Claims. “In many instances, drivers leave their doors unlocked, as well as their keys and valuables in the car, which invites criminals who are taking advantage of the situation we’re all in right now.”

Preventing auto crime pic

The Auto Club offers the following tips to prevent vehicle theft and burglary:

  • Always lock your vehicle with the windows closed.
  • Never leave your keys in your vehicle, even at a gas station or at home.
  • Never leave the vehicle running at any time when you’re not in it. This includes your driveway, while picking someone up, or when making a quick trip inside a store.
  • Don’t leave valuables in plain view inside a car, including small electronics, keys, purses, wallets, checkbooks, personal paperwork or any personal identification.
  • Bring electronics and personal items into your home or office.
  • Use anti-theft or automatic tracking devices. If your vehicle wasn’t equipped with an alarm or hidden tracking device when purchased, have one installed.
  • Never hide a spare ignition key in your vehicle, including under floor mats, sun visor, etc.
  • Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a secure garage or a well-lit area at night. 
  • If you own a popular vehicle among car thieves, like an older Honda (1990’s to early 2000’s), find a secondary locking device for your vehicle and use it. 
  • Get windows VIN etched. Since car thieves frequently steal vehicles to sell off the automobile’s parts, a window that is VIN etched makes a vehicle less profitable for thieves and helps law enforcement recover stolen vehicles. 

Media Contacts

Doug Shupe
LA-based media contact
(512) 659-1632
shupe.doug@aaa-calif.com
CST 1016202-80 Copyright © Automobile Club of Southern California. All Rights Reserved.
The Automobile Club of Southern California is a member club affiliated with the American Automobile Association (AAA) national federation and serves members in the following California counties: Inyo, Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare, and Ventura.