Auto Thefts in Louisiana Drop 48% in Five-Year Period

The number of auto thefts statewide dropped from 9,113 vehicles stolen in 2011 to 7,881 vehicles stolen in 2012, representing a decrease of 13.5 percent, the Louisiana Department of Insurance reported. The LDI said those figures come from the most recent Uniform Crime Reporting data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The decline in the number of reported auto thefts improved Louisiana’s national ranking from 26th in 2011 to 30th in 2012 in the rate of vehicles stolen. Over the five-year period from 2007 through 2012, the number of auto thefts in Louisiana has declined by 48 percent. Nationally, auto thefts dropped by 34 percent over the same time period.

“While the declining number of auto thefts is encouraging, it certainly does not mean we can become lax when it comes to taking preventative measures,” said Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon. “One particular crime to be on the lookout for is vehicle break-ins. Simple steps such as locking your car and not keeping any valuables in your vehicle can help you avoid becoming a victim.”

The Louisiana Automobile Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority (LATIFPA) was established by the Louisiana Legislature during the 2004 Regular Session and is is a public agency housed within the LDI with the purpose of combatting motor vehicle theft, insurance fraud, and other criminal acts.

Through partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, public awareness campaigns and educational outreach initiatives, the LDI and the LATIFPA work towards reducing the number of fraudulent insurance claims and vehicle thefts.

Registration for Louisiana’s 2014 Conference on Insurance Fraud and Auto Theft, held by LDI and LATIFPA, is underway. The conference will be held on Oct. 15 and will feature presentations on combatting vehicle theft, as well as panel discussions on health care fraud, investigating insurance fraud and insurance fraud prosecution.

Source: Louisiana Department of Insurance