Your vehicle is one of the largest investments you will make in your life. Coming in at just over $30,000, or about $600 per month, a new car will account for one of the largest sums of money you will put down on one possession after your home. If you’re a fan of trucks, SUVs, or luxury vehicles, you can expect that price tag to be much steeper. Because of the sheer amount of money one will spend on a new car (or even a used car), you want your vehicle to last as long as possible. You make sure the oil is changed, you bring it in for regular tuneups, and you do your best to ensure it’s around for a good, long time. What may don’t actively plan for or anticipate, however, is vehicle theft.
A motor vehicle is stolen in the United States every 33 seconds, and only 57% of those stolen are ever recovered. Nearly half of these thefts are due to drive error — like leaving the keys in the ignition (yes, people actually do this) or leaving the doors unlocked.
Check out the infographic below for facts on vehicle theft and tips for prevention taken from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. There are things you can do to make sure you don’t wind up a victim of vehicle theft. Protect yourself and your investment!
I WISH someone would steal my car…..errr, I mean, bummer that it happens so much. LOL.
This is an eye-opener…every 33 seconds?? Wow. I’m glad my state isn’t one of the top 10, but I’m still always very careful.
I knew without even looking that California would be in the top. I can’t believe that every 33 seconds this happens.
My dad actually had his car stolen out of his drive way years ago…in a small town in Kansas. It was found a week later and was trashed!
I’m glad my car has some pretty high tech capabilities. I car start the car remotely and it auto locks when it starts. Just have to make sure you lock it when you walk away.
I love the features in the newer cars. My husband’s car is smart. He has remote start and when walking up to unlock the car it won’t open the passenger door even with another key fob. He has to unlock it from the inside. It’s a great feature never know if someone will try jumping in the car with you.
Our truck is old and doesn’t have these special features.
This is awesome information for preventing car theft indeed. One of my friends got her car stolen by a old school friend she had trusted. They rented a room one night and she woke to her car and wallet missing. She got her car back but it was wrecked. Thanks for sharing.
Whoa! Every 33 seconds?! I am stunned.
Thanks for sharing this very enlightening infographic.
This is great. Now I se that trucks are on the rise for popular theft vehicles.
Wow, this is great information. I had no idea my state was #3 for stolen cars.
very interesting! I will have to check this out a little more!