National Vehicle Theft Protection Month Kicks Off

By Cornelius Nunev

More vehicles are taken during July and August than at any time of the year, says an infographic prepared by LoJack. The effort is part of the sixth yearly Nationwide Vehicle Theft Protection Month.

Protection recognized this month

The International Association of Auto Theft Investigators and LoJack, a manufacturer of security equipment that is after-market, are those who are working hard on the consciousness effort.

Auto theft stats

Some of the alarming statistics displayed on the LoJack inforgraphic (see connection below) are:

1. Auto thieves cost the nation around $4.5 billion a year. 2. In 2010, there was only an average of 42.8 seconds between vehicle thefts in the U.S. That's a total of 737,000 for the year. 3. The most stolen cars are ordinary ones like the Honda Accord, the Honda Civic and the Toyota Camry. However, 10 percent of all Corvettes made between 1981 and 2011 have been stolen. 4. Christmas Day is the holiday with the most auto thefts.

All from one significant study

The survey by infographic revealed that 80 percent of customers stress about auto theft regularly, but only a third really try and prevent it. Sixty-eight percent said that sometimes they leave the car parked and unlocked or unattended while it is running. Most of them practiced bad habits that might lead to theft. There were 4,500 vehicle owners in four major cities included in the study that was conducted between April and May of 2012.

There is identity fraud that comes from car theft

A 3rd of those in the survey said that they have left important personal data in plain sight in vehicles before, such as electronic devices. About 64 percent said they have their home address programed to the vehicle's GPS unit, which makes it easier to find a home to rob. Car theft and identity fraud are certainly connected.

Keep your vehicle safe

The FBI explained that in 2011, the number of car thefts dropped. Still, there are things you can do to shield yourself from car theft.

The LoJack infographic lists many "common sense" rules that motorists would do well to follow on a regular basis:

"Never leave keys in the vehicle with the engine running. Don't hide a spare key in the vehicle. Close all windows and lock all doors when leaving your vehicle. Park in a well-lit area and, when at home, keep your vehicle in the garage. Don't leave valuables visible in your car, particularly those items that include information on your identity."

The company pointed out that it has a theft prevention machine and recovery tracking system that prevents theft, and consumers should get it.

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