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Des Plaines, Ill.-based National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported that for calendar year 2005, the West, and particularly California, leads the nation in auto theft. All of the nation’s top 10 areas with the highest vehicle theft rates are in the West, with six of them in California.
For 2005 the 10 metropolitan statistical areas with the highest vehicle theft rates, in order, are: Modesto, Calif.; Las Vegas/ Paradise, Nev.; Stockton, Calif.; Phoenix/Mesa/Scottsdale, Ariz.;Visalia/Porterville, Calif.; Seattle/Tacoma/Bellevue, Wash.; Sacramento/Arden-Arcade/ Roseville, Calif.; San Diego/ Carlsbad/San Marcos, Calif.; Fresno, Calif.; and Yakima, Wash.
According to “Hot Spots,” its annual report on auto theft rates, NICB reviewed data supplied by the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) for each of the nation’s 360 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). MSAs are designated by the Office of Management and Budget and may include areas surrounding a specific city. For example, the No. 1 hot spot in the current report is Modesto, Calif. The Modesto MSA, however, includes data not only from the city of Modesto, but the entire county of Stanislaus, in which 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, thats is the second straight year of decreases in vehicle theft.
“The continued reduction in auto thefts is good news for our member companies and the general public,” said NICB President and CEO Robert M. Bryant. Bryant said that NICB programs, such as the bait car program, have led to significant declines in the auto theft problem.
“Bait cars are just one of the many tools that the insurance industry provides — through NICB — to local law enforcement to help prevent and deter vehicle theft,” he said.
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 vehicle identification number etching.
Immobilizing Device — The third layer of protection is a device that prevents thieves from bypassing the 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 that emits a signal to police or a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles.
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