Auto Theft Rates Decrease for Sixth Consecutive Year

05/17/2010

Consumers' auto insurance premiums often reflect the likelihood that their vehicle will fall victim to theft or damage.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau recently revealed the cities with the highest auto theft rates in 2009. Laredo, Texas, took the number one spot on this list, followed by Modesto and Bakersfield, California. Six of the top 10 metropolitan statistical areas for vehicle theft were in California.

Eighty-three percent of the 366 MSAs within the U.S. experienced a decrease in auto theft rates when compared with 2008's figures, according to the NICB.

"Six straight years of vehicle theft reductions are the result of a lot of hard work on the part of law enforcement, prosecutors, legislators, NICB member companies, NICB personnel and insurance industry trade groups who have contributed expertise and energy to have an impact on this crime," Joe Wehrle, president and CEO of NICB, said.

The NICB recommended that consumers use common sense to protect their cars by keeping doors locked, windows closed and keys out of the ignition when parked. Warning, immobilizing and tracking devices can further help deter auto theft.

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