Car Theft Reaches Disturbing Milestone in America

According to Statistica, the number of vehicle robberies in the United States hit an all-time high of over 1.6 million in 1991 and then began to slightly increase until 2003. The number of thefts decreased once more, reaching less than a million in 2008. But according to a recent report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), this illicit activity is once again on the increase.

The NICB reported on March 8 that there will be more than 75,000 vehicle thefts per month in 2022, exceeding a million for the first time in fourteen years. The amount represents a 7% rise over the prior year, according to the bureau. Illinois topped the list of double-digit increases with a 35% year-over-year increase, followed by Washington (31%), New York (23%), Texas (each 10% up), Colorado (each 10% up), and Missouri (each 10% up).

President and CEO of the National Insurance Crime Bureau, David Glawe, claimed that numerous thefts are “juvenile offenders.”

States, according to Glawe, need to implement initiatives to help stop young people from going in the wrong direction. Additionally, he thinks that communities should spend more money on their local police departments and provide them with the equipment and resources they require for “community policing programs” and the prosecution of offenders.

NICB provided some advice for vehicle owners to help them stay safe from auto theft. They advised drivers to lock their doors, keep the windows closed, and keep their keys outside of the car. If automobile owners can’t park inside, the bureau advises parking in a well-lit area or looking for locations with security guards on duty. Home lights with motion sensors can also be a good idea. Glawe advised folks never to leave their cars operating while they are not around.

Some automakers are taking steps to add new safety features, such as steering wheel locks and an integrated factory alarm that will trigger an “ignition kill” mechanism, making it harder to steal some vehicles.