AUTO THEFT PREVENTION

In, 2007, there were 48,389 vehicles reported stolen in Arizona, a 14.2 percent decrease in the theft rate from 2006. According to the FBI's 2007 Uniform Crime Report (UCR), there were more than 1.1 million motor vehicle thefts in the United States in 2007, totaling an estimated value of approximately $7.4 billion dollars.
(Source: Arizona Automobile Theft Authority, 2008 Annual Report)

Nationally, the number of U.S. motor vehicle thefts also decreased, by 8.1 percent from 2006 to 2007, the fourth consecutive annual decrease. The average value of a motor vehicle reported stolen in 2007 was $6,755.
(Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation)

2007 Key Statistics

• According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Uniform Crime Reports, a motor vehicle is stolen in the United States every 28.8 seconds. The odds of a vehicle being stolen were 1 in 210 in 2006 (latest data available based on registrations from the Federal Highway Administration, thefts from the FBI and calculated by the Insurance Information Institute). The odds are highest in urban areas.
• In 2007 , southern states accounted for the largest share of thefts - 36.4 percent, followed by the West with 35.7 percent. The Midwest accounted for 18.2 percent of thefts and the Northeast for 9.8 percent.
• Nationwide, the 2007 motor vehicle theft rate per 100,000 people was 363.3. The highest rate was reported in the West, 557.4, down 11.8 percent from 632.1 in 2006. The rate of motor vehicles stolen was 360.9 in the South, down 4.6 percent from 2006; 300.4 in the Midwest, down 9.7 percent; and 195.7 in the Northeast, down 11.9 percent.
• Only 12.6 percent of auto thefts were resolved, either by arrests or by exceptional means, in 2007.

(Source: Insurance Information Institute)

As of October 31, 2008, Arizona's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) reported that there were 6,701,737 vehicles registered in Arizona; with 48,389 vehicles reported stolen last year. This equates to less than one percent of the total number of vehicles registered in Arizona.

Probably the greatest influence of Arizona's vehicle theft problem is our close proximity with Mexico. In 2007, the cities with the highest vehicle theft rates were in the western United States; four of the top ten were in California. Phoenix dropped from fifth to seventh and Tucson moved up from seventh to third spot on the list.
(Source: Arizona Automobile Theft Authority, 2008 Annual Report)

(Source: Arizona Department of Public Safety, 2007 Crime in Arizona Report)

Tips on How to Protect Your Vehicle from Being Stolen

• Lock your vehicle, close all windows and sun roof, and take your keys.
• Never hide a second set of keys in or on your vehicle.
• Do not leave valuables or important documents in plain view. Items left in the open attract thieves and they may use the information to steal your identity.
• Park in well lit areas with plenty of pedestrian traffic, or when possible, in attendant lots.
• Never leave your vehicle running unattended.

Investing in Vehicle Protection

• In high theft areas, do not rely on just one anti-theft device.
• Stolen vehicles are more easily traced when Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) have been etched on each of the windows. It also makes your vehicle less attractive to a professional car thief.
• Ignition kill switches halt the fuel supply.
• Visible steering wheel locks prevent the steering wheel from being turned.
• Hood locks prevent thieves from gaining access to your security system and battery.

Electric Security Systems

• Audio alarms emit loud warning sounds when the doors, hood or trunk are opened.
• Vehicle tracking systems, which are installed in your vehicle, are activated when your vehicle is stolen. These systems alert the police to the location of your vehicle for quick recovery.

(Source: Pennsylvania Auto Theft Prevention Authority)

05.28.09

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