NICB Study Reveals Auto Thefts Up Amid Pandemic

A recent study from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) addresses the rise in auto theft numbers in 2020 and 2021. Since June of 2020, there has been a 13 percent increase in auto thefts, and thus far in 2021, there has been an 11 percent increase in auto thefts. There are many contributing factors to the problem, many of them related to COVID-19. Major factors in this sharp uptick in auto theft are attributed to the following:

• Disenfranchised youth.
• Unprecedented unemployment.
• The closing of various social services centers.
• School closings.
• Fewer cars being driven, presenting easy targets because they’re not being driven around.
• Lack of engagement and social opportunities. Kids are bored.

With such sharp increases in auto theft around the country, it is important for car owners to take steps to protect yourself and your vehicles. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make sure you have the protection you need, including the things listed below.

• Check your auto insurance coverage for auto theft and liability coverage. You want to make sure you have plenty of both.
• Invest in a security system for your vehicle.
• Park your car in a well-lit area. Park in a closed garage if you have the option to do so. Avoid parking on the street whenever possible.
• Take your keys and key FOB with you. Don’t leave a spare key in your car.
• If your car is stolen, call 911 to report documentation of the stolen vehicle.
• Document details about your vehicle that includes the make of your car, the model of your car, special packages, the color of your car, the license plate number, VIN, and other identifiable details.
• Invest in GPS tracking for your vehicle. GPS tracking can not only help you locate your vehicle in real-time if it is stolen, but it can also notify you instantly if your vehicle is moved during designated sleep hours, if it leaves a certain geographic boundary, and if it travels at speeds above the posted speed limit. This makes recovering a stolen vehicle much easier. All you need to do is provide law enforcement with the vehicle’s location.

LiveView GPS understands the risks motorists face and we offer car owners a wide range of GPS tracking options to keep your vehicles safe from theft, to assist in recovering stolen vehicles, and more. Contact us today to learn more about how to protect yourself from this wave of auto theft across the country.

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