Vehicle Theft Prevention: What Consumers Should Know 

Motor vehicles are the primary mode of transportation for most Americans, and often, an indispensable part of their lives. They are used for a myriad of reasons, including going to work, school and the grocery store. But what would happen if that vehicle suddenly disappeared? Many would find it difficult, if not impossible, to take care of even the simplest everyday errands.

	A MOTOR VEHICLE IS STOLEN EVERY 33 SECONDS IN THE UNITED STATES. The top ten reported stolen vehicles from NHTSA's 2008 theft rate data compilation are: - Dodge Magnum - Pontiac Grand Prix - Mitsubishi Galant - Chrysler 300 - Chrysler Sebring - Chrysler Pacifica - Chrysler PT Cruise - Hyundai Sonata - Hyundai Azera - Dodge Charger
	DID YOU KNOW? 40-50% of vehicle theft is due to driver error. The top two months for vehicle thefts are July and August. Only about 57% of stolen vehicles are recovered.
	USE COMMON SENSE WHEN PARKING AND EXITING YOUR VEHICLE. Take your key; don't leave it in or on your vehicle. Close and lock all windows and doors when you park. Park in well-lit areas - in a garage, if possible. Never leave valuables in your vehicle, and specially in sight.
	WE ARE ALL SUSCEPTIBLE TO VEHICLE THEFT. The ten (10) U.S. States with the most stolen vehicles are: 1. California 2. Florida 3. Texas 4. Illinois 5. Georgia 6. Nevada 7. Maryland 8. North Carolina 9. Arizona 10. Missouri / New Jersey
	THIEVES WANT PARTS AND VALUABLE  ITEMS, TOO. Radios and wheel covers aren't the only popular stolen vehicle parts thieves take. They want whatever sells, from the mandated labeled parts to those that aren't. Among some of the most popular parts or items left in vehicles are: engine, transmission, air bags, radios, GPS units, iPods, laptops, and purses.