Press Release - 12-16-2015

DMV News

Contact:
Joe Morrissey    [email protected] 
Casey McNulty [email protected] 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, December 16, 2015

 

NEW YORK STATE DMV ISSUES CONSUMER ALERT CAUTIONING NEW YORKERS ABOUT THEFTS FROM VEHICLES AND CAR THEFT DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON
More than 48,000 Larcenies, Nearly 4,000 in December Alone, Involved Theft of Items from Vehicles in 2014


The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) today issued a consumer alert regarding the theft of items from vehicles and car theft this holiday season, when many New Yorkers load their vehicles with gifts or leave their cars running to warm up in cold weather. According to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) about 18 percent of larcenies, or more than 48,000 incidents, reported by local authorities in 2014 involved the theft of items from vehicles -- 3,991 in December of that year alone.

“Transportation experts have found that much of vehicle theft, and theft from vehicles, is preventable, which means it’s important that we spread the word and let New Yorkers know the steps they can take to reduce the odds that they’ll be victimized,” said DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan. “Although vehicle thefts occur year-round, it is especially important to know the do’s and don’ts of holiday shopping to protect ourselves, our vehicles, and the gifts we hope to share.”

The holidays are a time to be particularly wary of theft. Many shoppers leave bags and gifts in their cars while they continue shopping for loved ones, and cooler temperatures often prompt drivers to warm up their cars before taking off, leaving them running with the keys in the ignition and the doors unlocked. Sometimes, it’s not personal items that thieves are after – it’s the parts of your vehicle. Among some of the most popular parts or items that thieves sell from vehicles are engines, transmissions, airbags, radios, GPS units, phones or iPods, laptops, and purses.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s annual “Crime in the United States” report from 2014 indicates that New York has one of the lowest rates in the nation of motor vehicle theft per 100,000 people. While nearly 15,700 vehicles were stolen in New York State last year, the number has been steadily declining in recent years. Governor Cuomo recently announced more than $3.7 million in grant funding to fight motor vehicle theft and insurance fraud, which will go to two dozen public safety agencies across the state.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, reports that the estimated value of vehicles stolen across the U.S. is approximately $4.1 billion; nearly half of stolen vehicles nationwide are never recovered. New Yorkers should consider these tips to keep vehicles and the items inside them from being targets of criminals:

  • Always take your keys – don’t leave them in or on your vehicle.
  • Double-check that you have closed all of the windows and locked the doors.
  • Park in well-lit areas and attended lots when possible.
  • Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle, especially where they can be seen. This means hands-free devices, GPS devices, and even phone chargers. It also includes personal papers and a second set of keys: keep them with you, not in a glove box.
  • Place gifts, packages, and bags, especially while out holiday shopping, in the trunk and not within view. Even leaving such items under a blanket in the backseat can elicit attention, leaving your car vulnerable to theft.

 

Anyone who has had their vehicle stolen or items from their vehicle stolen should contact police immediately to file a report. If your car has been stolen, follow a call to the police with one to your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim.

For more information about DMV, click here

 

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