Aug 3, 2012 | News
In 2010, there were 2,361 reported motor vehicle theft incidents in West Virginia. Even though it might seem like a fraction compared to other states, it is still a number worth noting. Up to now, car theft incidents occurs daily in West Virginia, and they range from simple car theft to ultimate carjacking. Car theft trends Just recently, the local police have dealt with various forms for car theft in West Virginia. A few months ago, there were two thieves that broke into a local car dealership and stole two cars from their roster of supplies. The local police caught them and they were charged with two felony counts of grand larceny. Another car theft incident involved a much more aggressive measure. A local resident was fortunate enough to have his stolen car back; however its condition was another story. His Mustang was working just fine the day before he was victimized, and now it is now completely stripped of its trunk, motor, transmission and lights. Car theft prevention tips It’s been known that car theft has an opportunistic nature. Most of the times, cars are stolen right outside a person’s home, and most of these times those cars had been left vulnerable and without protection. There might not be a complete guarantee, but instilling a vigilant attitude about car safety can make the world of difference Do make sure to check at all times on your car’s vulnerable spots. Always lock your doors. Never leave your keys in its ignition. Take your valuables away with you at all times. Help spread awareness in your city With this knowledge...Aug 1, 2012 | News
Did you know that in 2010, there were 359 carjacking offenses in the state of New Jersey? Out of all those incidents, there were 405 victims that included passengers and drivers. It’s an alarming trend, as not only did the numbers increased from the previous years, most of the carjacking incidents involve the use of firearms. New Jersey carjacking by the numbers Here’s an overview of the state of carjacking in New Jersey: – 88% of the stolen vehicles were registered in the state – BMW made up the 11% of the stolen vehicles – The majority of the incidents occurred at a residential area – The most popular month for carjacking incidents was in December – 73% of the stolen vehicles were recovered Car theft trends Carjacking is just one of the many forms of car theft that can be found in New Jersey. Just recently, the state was part of the car theft ring that was apprehended by local officials. The suspects were found to be guilty of stealing 108 cars that were mostly luxury cars that they had shipped and sold to shady brokers. Car safety tips Indifference is the last thing that you should feel regarding auto theft. Though, in most cases, a large percentage of people forget that auto theft results from opportunistic situations. Vigilance is important in keeping your cars safe. Always remember to lock your doors, take your keys out and never leave any valuables behind. Help spread awareness in your city With this knowledge in hand, you can help keep your city safe by placing the copyright and trademark protected signs and...Jul 26, 2012 | News
Car theft in Connecticut might not be at its peak, but it’s still a recurring problem for local residents. From 7,461 car theft incidents in 2009, it has decreased to 6,707 in 2010. The motor vehicle theft reports might be lower compared to other states; however this doesn’t mean that Connecticut residents have been free of car theft incidents. Car theft in Connecticut Just recently, a local resident has been charged with second degree larceny. Fortunately the state police had successfully tracked his whereabouts and he was apprehended for his criminal act. It must have been the final straw in his luck, as it has been found that the suspect had eight outstanding arrest warrants for failure to appear in court. Car theft prevention tips To ease your mind and to help protect your cars, the Hartford police offered a series of car theft prevention tips: – Close all windows lock all doors and take the keys with you. In Connecticut, almost 25 percent of stolen vehicles had the keys in them. – Never hide a second set of keys anywhere on or inside your vehicle. Thieves often rummage through a car before taking it. They WILL find a hidden key. – Never leave your vehicle running, even if you will only be gone for a minute, or warming it up in your driveway; vehicles are commonly stolen at convenience stores, gas stations, driveways, and ATMs. – Park in well-lighted areas. Over 70 percent of vehicle thefts occur at night. – Park in attended or heavy traffic lots. – Do not become complacent because you drive an older-model vehicle. Older...Jul 17, 2012 | News
How’s this for a slice of reality? Did you know that there are 23 cars stolen daily in Minnesota? In just over a year, there was a total of 8,400 reported car theft incidents in the local state. This amounted to a cumulative total of $21.3 million in stolen value. Upon hearing this, the Minnesota Department of Commerce has released $3.8 million to help combat this rising threat. “Every year, auto theft impacts the lives and finances of thousands of Minnesotans, and steals from wallets of every consumer in the form of higher insurance premiums,” said Commissioner Mike Rothman. What can you do to prevent auto theft? Auto theft can be a costly nuisance. Aside from missing property, you will be facing insurance claims and official proceedings to move forward with your case. Which is why, as much as possible, you should prioritize establishing a fluid and rigid safety measures for your cars. Technology can help deter auto theft If your budget can allow it, tracking devices such as GPS systems can help you especially in terms of recovering your car. With a built in GPS device, you will have a better chance of getting a location and a possible identification of suspected car thieves. Basic safety precaution However, if you can’t afford to install expensive gadgets for your cars, instilling basic safety precaution is the next best thing. Simple tips like taking your keys from its ignition, locking your doors and windows and removing valuable items from your cars can make a world of difference. Help spread awareness in your city With this knowledge in hand, you can...Jul 2, 2012 | News
Auto theft is defined as the unlawful taking or stealing of a motor vehicle. A motor vehicle can be any type of vehicle that has the capacity to be driven, and it includes motorcycles, trucks, buses and automobiles. Virginia has a fluctuating history with auto theft. It has experienced its peak in 1991 wherein the state had 21,284 offenses, and with a string of implemented auto theft prevention measures, it has fortunately dropped to 10,394 in 2010. Seasonal crime Auto theft may not have a permanent pattern, but apparently in Virginia, car theft cases tends to have a higher count during the months of May through August. According to a report, there are 37% car theft incidents during these months. Tips to avoid car theft Keep your car safe from car thieves and take note of these tips provided by Beat the Traffic: Don’t leave your car unlocked Never leave your car running Never leave valuables Park in high-traffic Don’t leave the registration or Title in Your Car If possible, have your windows tinted Copy your license plate and vehicle information (VIN) Install an audible alarm system and a visible anti-theft device Consider installing a GPS tracking system Park With Your Wheels Turned Toward the Curb Help spread awareness in your city With this knowledge in hand, you can help keep your city safe by placing the copyright and trademark protected signs and designs on your property or in your area. You can also make custom sign donations to your local police department and they will disperse them to businesses and in parks and recreation areas. Hide Lock Take started...Jun 28, 2012 | News
In a recent state-wide car theft study, Montana came in at 45th with a 1,748 car theft statistic score. It definitely pales in comparison to California with 242, 693 cases; as they unfortunately led the list that had the most car theft incidents in the United States. Auto theft is still prevalent in Montana Although the numbers are pretty low compared to other states, Montana still has their fair share of auto theft incidents. Just these past few months, there had been random reported car theft incidents around the local state. This month, a car was stolen from a used-car blowout sale. It turns out that the keys were haphazardly placed in the car’s visor that made it easier for the car thief to drive away with the car. Fortunately, a concerned citizen had reported the stolen car, and the suspect has been arrested. Another car theft incident occurred early this May; however this one resulted to a car theft chase. The suspect was believed to be the perpetrator of a series of car burglaries in the Missoula, Montana area. The suspect was identified as Steven S. McCann and was charged with 16 different cases of trespass to vehicles. How to protect yourself from auto theft Even if it seems like you live in a state that has a minimal reported car theft rate, this shouldn’t encourage you to leave your car in a vulnerable state. You should always employ stringent car safety measures at all times. Always remember to maintain a presence of mind about your whereabouts. Keep your doors and windows locked. Remove your keys from your...Jun 26, 2012 | News
There’s a 1 in 39 chance that you might become a victim of a property crime in Rhode Island. With a population of 1,052,567, out of 1,000 residents, there are 2,399 reported car theft cases. To avoid a series of regrettable loss and nuisance, it’s a trend worth noting. Young criminals on the rise In two separate reports, the car theft was both attempted by students. Back in 2011, a college student was apprehended as an accomplice to a car theft incident. The suspect was identified as Zhengpeng Hu. He was charged with kidnapping after he allegedly stuffed a woman in a suitcase after tying her up. A few months ago, two teens were charged with possession of a stolen vehicle. They swiped the victim’s car keys that were lying in an Old Mountain Lanes table. After a short chase, Angelo Fraley and Alexander X. Blunt were arrested by the Narragansett Police. Car safety measures Did you know that most car theft suspects are known to be amateurs in the field? Most of them don’t have a set of rules when it comes to their mode of operation. This means that they will likely strike cars that they think are more vulnerable than most. These might range from owners that have left their windows open, or cars parked in an area that has no foot traffic or security in place. Car safety tips You can easily avoid being a car theft victim. Make sure that you check your car thoroughly before you leave it in a parking spot. Pick a location that has a lot of foot traffic. Take...Jun 22, 2012 | News
With a state population of 6,483,802, Indiana has 13,118 of recorded motor vehicle theft incidents. A feat considering that their car theft rate has decreased after experiencing a peak of 27, 023 in 1995. Although this might be a cause of celebration, auto theft still remains a threat to Indiana residents. Just recently, a man was indicted in a complicated car theft case that started in 2006. Complex fraud and theft scheme For more than six years, George Robey has operated a complex fraud and theft scheme that largely affected local dealerships. It was reported that Robey would often visit local car dealerships, and after eyeing his target car, he would take them for a test drive and switch fake keys and present legal documents to steal the cars right under the establishment’s place. After stealing 17 cars, he was finally arrested and is now facing a very long prison sentence. Auto theft is a community problem Aside from profit loss, the complex fraud and theft scheme perpetrated by Robey created an influx of problems that drove up the cost of their remaining cars and their insurance premiums. As much as it seems that auto theft can be seen as a solitary loss, it affects a lot of people, especially in this particular case. In instances like this, it’s important that we are able to find out if the cars that we’ll be purchasing are free of criminal history. Have it checked thoroughly with the right people, so that you’ll be sure that you won’t be a victim of complicated auto theft schemes. Help spread awareness in your city...Jun 19, 2012 | News
From 589 car theft cases to 795 car theft incidents, South Dakota has its fair share of auto theft incidents. During the period of 1980 -2005, it has experienced fluctuating numbers, and had its peak of vehicle thefts during 1974- 1980. Car theft spree in Dakota Just last year, local officials had arrested three suspects that were responsible for a car theft spree in South Dakota. The suspects were identified as Christopher Zephier Jr & Derik LaFromboise, who were both 18 years of age. Christopher’s mother, Stella Zephier was cited as an accomplice to the crime. Protect yourself from being a car theft victim Even if you live in a neighbourhood that has fluctuating car theft incidents, this shouldn’t deter you from establishing safety measures for your car. It has been reported that car thefts are usually performed by amateurs, more so than professional car theft rings. With this in mind, careful safety precautions make it harder for them to steal your car. Hide. Lock. Take The first thing that you should remember about car safety is the location of your keys. Safely remove it from your ignition at all times, and take it with you when you leave. Lock your car windows and doors. Take all of your valuable items whenever you park your car in parking spaces. Help spread awareness in your city With this knowledge in hand, you can help keep your city safe by placing the copyright and trademark protected signs and designs on your property or in your area. You can also make custom sign donations to your local police department and they will disperse them...Jun 18, 2012 | News
Good news for Michigan residents, auto theft numbers are down 9.35 percent from 2009 -2010. According to the Michigan Automobile Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA), car theft in Michigan has dropped 62 percent since 1986. Although these trends should be a source of relief, there are still 100 cars stolen locally each year. Technology and car security The popular targets by car thieves in Michigan are older models that were manufactured and released in the early 2000. Pickup trucks that were created by Dodge Ram, Chevrolet and Ford were among the favoured vehicles, mostly because they were believed to be easier to access than newer vehicles that have more elaborate security features. However, this might just be a temporary setback for thieves. For all the new security measures, there is the possibility that they might get around it, sooner or later. Setting basic security for your cars It doesn’t really matter if you own a newer model or an older version. It’s important to realize that most auto thefts are performed by amateurs, which means they depend on lapse of security measures and opportune locations. You can help protect your car by making sure to instil a routine check every time you leave it parked in a parking space. Start by taking out your keys from the ignition. Check each windows and doors, and make sure that they’re securely locked. Scan your car seats and floors, and take your important valuables. Help spread awareness in your city With this knowledge in hand, you can help keep your city safe by placing the copyright and trademark protected signs and designs on your...Jun 14, 2012 | News
According to an NICB Annual Hot Spots Study, Nevada’s state wide auto theft rate rose from 26th per capita in the mid 1990s to first in 2006. Further, Nevada experienced a surge of car theft incidents when their state’s population grew in the years between 1990 and 2000. Fortunately, with the aid of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s VIPER Task Force, the numbers steadily declined, although car theft trends still remains a concern for the state of Nevada. State population and car theft statistics With the gap in ratio of residents and available jobs, it is not a surprise that the state experienced a higher percentage of crime activity. There may not be an accurate study that can link unemployment rate and crime rate in a state, as there are always varying factors that can aggravate or affect a certain crime trend. Nobel laureate Gary Becker has said it best when he stated that it is only but a normal reaction for impoverished families to turn to wayward means when honest work is not within their reach. How can you protect yourself from car theft? If you’re living in Nevada, or anywhere else, preventing car theft requires regular practice. No matter where you live, it is important to be vigilant and on guard. If you can afford it, make sure that your car comes with basic car security. There are various accessories that can help deter a car thief from stealing your car. Even if it means these things can only deter them for a while, at least there can be an opportunity for people to ask for help....Jun 11, 2012 | News
Location can play an important part in determining a state’s crime statistics. With New Mexico’s case, it is adjacent to the International Border and the frequency and prevalence of auto theft crimes remains a major threat for its residents and the local police. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), New Mexico is part of the 20 worst areas for car theft. New Mexico’s Top Ten Stolen Vehicles in 2010 The NICB also released the cars that are frequently eyed by thieves in New Mexico: 2001 Dodge Ram 1997 Honda Civic 1996 Honda Accord 1991 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) 1997 Ford F150 Series/Pickup 1990 Toyota Camry 2004 Ford F250 Series/Pickup 2006 Ford F350 Series/Pickup 2001 Ford Ranger 1994 Ford Explorer Car theft trends Technology has made it harder for thieves to steal an entire car, which is why there is a rise of stolen components and car accessories. Even though it means that there is a greater chance that you might get to keep your car, this doesn’t mean that your car will still be in pristine shape after an auto theft incident. Keep your car safe With security measures in place, the most you can do during these times is to be extra cautious about simple things that might slip your mind. Never leave your car windows half open. Avoid leaving your keys in its ignition. Park in well lit places, and pick a space that will likely have more foot traffic than most. Help spread awareness in your city With this knowledge in hand, you can help keep your city safe by placing the copyright and trademark protected...Jun 8, 2012 | News
Sometimes assuming facts can really cost you a hefty insurance bill. The majority of car owners believe that since car thieves are probably very skilled in unlocking complicated security contraptions, that it is not necessary to have a layered protection in their cars. However that is not the case, because according to the Baltimore Regional Auto Theft Team, only 35% of car theft is a result of professional handiwork or insurance fraud. Stay on guard Did you know that when the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council conducted a study on the effectiveness of anti theft devices, only 5% of the 800 car subjects were protected with security measures? The resulting numbers has shown how lax we can be on our cars, when they are pretty expensive to begin with. Crime prevention begins at home The first key to preventing auto theft is to beat preconceptions about the real state of car safety and mechanics. It’s important to instil a vigilant stance, and it should start in the comforts of your home. People are more wary of leaving their cars in public places, such as mall parking lots, but are you aware that most cars are stolen right in front of a person’s house? According to the Baltimore Regional Auto Theft Team, only 4% of cars are stolen in malls and shopping areas. Protect your cars with basic safety tips Employing protection for your car is better than leaving it up for grabs to opportunistic thieves. Make sure that you keep an eye out on your car’s vulnerable spots. Close and lock your windows. Never leave the keys in the...Jun 7, 2012 | News
After 10 years of being listed in the top percentile of cities and states with the highest auto theft crimes, Arizona has now plunged several places down, and it’s definitely not a bad thing. California and its several cities occupy most of the spots in the National Insurance Crime Bureau report. Follow Arizona’s lead If anything can be certain, it is that auto theft is a crime that will continue to be prevalent, especially when the economy is at its worst. If you’re one of the lucky ones that resides in a state that has a lower crime rate than most, it doesn’t guarantee that you are 100% safe from any auto theft attempts. Basic precaution is key A car is an expensive investment; most of them are probably paid through several instalments that take a chunk out of a modest salary. The expense and the basic need for a mode of transportation should be enough reasons to help you stay vigilant with your car’s security. Hiding your keys properly is one of the main things that you should remember. Never leave a spare key lying around your car. When you purchase your car, make sure that you take the time to familiarize yourself with each point of access. By knowing your car’s vulnerable spots, you will know which ones are necessary to be locked and secured. Help spread awareness in your city With this knowledge in hand, you can help keep your city safe by placing the copyright and trademark protected signs and designs on your property or in your area. You can also make custom sign donations to...Jun 6, 2012 | News
Auto theft poses as a serious threat to people residing in Florida. Did you know that in 2009, Florida took the third spot on a list that chronicled the top 10 states with the highest number of auto thefts? It’s been noted that since car crimes has been on the rise, the act of stealing cars has acclimated to serious bodily injuries, and in some cases even deaths. Keep yourself safe from auto theft threats The Orlando Police Department advises people to perform basic precautions when it comes to safeguarding their vehicles. One of the most vital things to remember is to put away your keys in a safe place. When you leave your car in your garage, make a note of the location of your car keys. Don’t ever leave out a spare inside, as most thieves will likely have an idea of your “secret” hiding places Parking 101 On the instance that you’re out and about, avoid parking in dodgy places. Spaces that are well lit and are nearby foot traffic will more likely deter any car theft attempts. Take a good look around your car seats and the items that you might be leaving behind. Don’t leave valuables or expensive items that will lure a car thief in your general direction. Help spread awareness in your city With this knowledge in hand, you can help keep your city safe by placing the copyright and trademark protected signs and designs on your property or in your area. You can also make custom sign donations to your local police department and they will disperse them to businesses and in...Jun 5, 2012 | News
Buying a car is a serious decision, even if you’re just going to purchase a used car in a dealership. There are intricate things to consider and a wealth of details to sift through before you should hand over your cash to the checkout counter. A prime example of a cautionary tale is this recent article posted by the Springfield News-Sun, where a double VIN has prompted the local officials to conduct further investigation on the origin of the cars in their stable. The Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Vehicle Theft Unit made a pit stop at Mershon’s World of Cars and seized two cars that had questionable documents. The owner, Dan Mershon vehemently denied any allegations that tied him to illegal activities, but the local officials remains resilient in conducting further investigations. Do you have a trustworthy car dealership? How do you go about in buying a car? Do you have a list of websites, or do you visit the local shops that you’ve found near your home? Before you go out on an expensive buying spree, it is very important that you conduct an overview of the store’s dealing history. If it is a used car, make sure that you know how to look over old documents, and that you bring a trusted mechanic to ensure a good purchase. Shady car dealerships and vehicle thefts Did you know that in every 25 seconds, one vehicle is being stolen in the United States? Most of the time, stolen cars are chopped into bits and pieces that are then resold through the retail market. Stop the vicious circle You can stop...Jun 4, 2012 | News
When the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) released their annual Hot Wheels Report in 2010, they have concluded that the most popular choice for car thefts were cars manufactured by Honda. Certain cars are targeted because of lax security measures, while some are eyed because of their part’s market value. To have a better look at the type of cars that are commonly stolen in Oregon, NICB released a list in 2010: 1. 1992 Honda Accord 2. 1998 Honda Civic 3. 1990 Toyota Camry 4. 1995 Acura Integra 5. 1996 Subaru Legacy 6. 1989 Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) 7. 2003 Toyota Corolla 8. 1994 Ford F150 Series/Pickup 9. 2001 Dodge Ram 10. 1994 Nissan Sentra Auto theft can be an expensive nuisance Being a victim of an auto theft crime is not just a major inconvenience in terms of stolen property, but the resulting expense and insurance repercussions can create a major dent in your allotted budget. In a piece written by KTVZ.com, Karl Newman, NW Insurance Council president was quoted that “Consumers pay billions each year for auto theft,” he said. “The cost to replace stolen vehicles and repair those that are recovered is reflected in your insurance rates. That makes auto theft an important issue for every vehicle owner.” Safeguard yourself from auto theft Keep in mind that thieves will most likely target cars that are easier to break, so make sure that you give your car a chance by employing a strict security regiment. Having a presence of mind will make you less vulnerable, so try and remember the basic precautions. Keep important items off your unattended cars....Jun 1, 2012 | News
Just think about this for a minute: according to a report posted by ABC 4 News, every 68 minutes, a car is stolen in Utah. Car theft has become such a normal occurrence in the state that no one is surprised that most of these stolen vehicles are stripped and resold for parts by thieves. Auto theft statistics in Utah Car theft investigator Kent Jorgensen is unfazed about the rising incidents, since according to a reported data, 16 cars are stolen every day, almost 6,000 a year just in Utah alone. The most popular cars that are usually eyed by thieves are Honda Accord, Honda Civic and the Acura Integra. Protect your car from thieves Did you know that it only took roughly 7 minutes for a car to be disassembled, as proven when ABC 4 News conducted a simulated car robbery? It is an alarming revelation, and something that you should consider every time you leave your car unattended on lengthy hours. Install a layer of protection to your cars The most effective thing you can do is to employ a layer of protection to your cars. Make sure that you always remember to take away your keys, and that you properly lock every space that a thief might consider as a point of entry. Install alarms and devices that will deter and delay a car robbery in progress. Help spread awareness in your city With this knowledge in hand, you can help keep your city safe by placing the copyright and trademark protected signs and designs on your property or in your area. You can also make custom...May 31, 2012 | News
With the economy in crisis, it’s not a surprise that crime is on the rise. Since 1994, auto theft crimes have been a major concern for American citizens. It was reported that during that time, there were 1.5 million vehicles stolen that had an estimated value of nearly $7.6 billion. Enforcing H.E.A.T. in Kansas Due to these incidents, the local law enforcers in Kansas established a program that specifically targeted vehicle theft. In 1990, the Kansas Police Department created H.E.A.T (Help Eliminate Auto Theft). The program’s primary goal was to establish cooperation and community awareness between local law enforcers and residents by helping each other deter and detect any auto theft attempts within the local community. Even though auto theft still remains to be a cause of concern in Kansas, it has been noted that the incidents has decreased statistically since the program has started. Auto theft is a costly crime Aside from being a nuisance, it can’t be denied that being a victim of an auto theft can create a ripple of loss in your life. It is necessary to be vigilant when it comes to your personal properties. When you take the time to implement a rigid set of precaution for your car’s safety, you’ll get a decent chance of avoiding possible auto theft attempts. Help spread awareness in your city With this knowledge in hand, you can help keep your city safe by placing the copyright and trademark protected signs and designs on your property or in your area. You can also make custom sign donations to your local police department and they will disperse them to...May 30, 2012 | News
Leaving your keys in the ignition can cause unimaginable horrors, just ask a local resident of Randolph, MA when he unwittingly left his car vulnerable and unsafe. A man stepped out for a Laundromat excursion, left his keys in his ignition and became the victim of an attempted auto theft. The car thief jumped into his car and sped through local streets, but the chase ended in Milton where he crashed into a tree that split the car in two. Massachusetts theft crimes Did you know that auto theft is one of the most common crimes in Massachusetts? As stated by William D. Kickham (Boston Criminal Attorney), auto theft “is defined and governed by a law that forbids receiving, stealing, buying, concealing or possessing a motor vehicle or trailer, which someone knew or had reason to know had been stolen.” In 2009, there had been a total of 11,735 listed cases of vehicle theft in the city. The numbers decreased from the years before, but it’s still something to mull over every time you leave your car vulnerable from possible auto crimes. Avoid being an auto theft victim Prevention is better than crying over stolen properties, which is why it is important to take precautions when it comes to your car. You can keep your car safe by employing simple strategies. Always remember to take out your keys whenever you leave your vehicle. Try and make sure that all areas of your car are closed. Avoid tempting burglars, by hiding and taking away important items like your phones and laptops from your car. Help spread awareness in your city...