Auto theft declines for second straight year

Western states have the most cars stolen

Des Plaines, Ill.-based National Insurance Crime Bureau reported that for calendar year 2005, the West and particularly California, led the nation in auto thefts.

For 2005 the 10 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) with the highest vehicle theft rates are:

According to Hot Spots, its annual report on auto theft rates, NICB reviewed data supplied by the National Crime Information Center for each of the nation’s 360 MSAs. The Mo-desto MSA includes data not only from the city of Modesto, but the entire county of Stanislaus, where Modesto is located.

The rate is determined by the number of vehicle theft offenses per 100,000 inhabitants using the 2004 U.S. Census Population Estimates, the most current figures available.

Preliminary FBI data shows a 2.1 percent decrease in motor vehicle thefts during January to June 2005 when compared with the same period in 2004. Nationally, this is the second straight year of decreases in vehicle theft and that is good news.

Memphis, Tenn.-Miss.-Ark. MSA ranked 29, while the Little Rock-North Little Rock, Ark., area was number 34 on the list. The Oklahoma City, Okla. MSA was 39th. In Texas, Laredo was the highest MSA on the list, coming in at number 32. The highest ranking MSA in Louisiana was the New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner area at 45.

NICB recommends the following actions under its “layered approach” to protection that automobile owners can take to minimize their risk and prevent their car from becoming the next statistic:

• Common sense: An unlocked vehicle with a key in the ignition is an open invitation to any thief, regardless of which anti-theft device you use. The common sense approach to protection is the simplest and most cost-effective way to thwart would-be thieves. Secure your vehicle even if parking for brief periods.
• Warning device: The second layer of protection is a visible or audible device, which alerts thieves that your vehicle is protected. Popular second layer devices include: Audible alarms, steering column collars, steering wheel/brake pedal lock, wheel locks, theft deterrent decals, identification markers in or on vehicle, and VIN etching.
• Immobilizing device: The third layer of protection is a device that prevents thieves from bypassing your ignition and hot-wiring the vehicle. Some electronic devices have computer chips in ignition keys. Other devices inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch or button is activated. Popular third layer devices include: smart keys, kill switches, and starter, ignition, and fuel pump disablers.
• Tracking device: The final layer of protection is a tracking device, which emits a signal to police or a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles.

Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau