According to the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the summer months are the peak months for auto thefts. Thieves tend to steal cars and trucks most often during July and August. Car owners also should beware of possible theft when ringing in the New Year. Figures released by the National Insurance Crime Bureau in the U.S. indicate that more cars are stolen on New Year’s Day than on any other day of the year. Cars are safest on New Year’s Eve, however, followed by Christmas Day.
More facts about car theft in the United States:
- A 2009 NHTSA report notes that automobiles are stolen every 33 seconds in the United States. California leads the way in terms of the number of car thefts, followed by Florida, Texas and Illinois.
- Most vehicles are not stolen for use or trade, but for their parts. Thieves can effectively strip a car of parts for resale in less than 30 minutes, leaving behind nothing but the shell. Selling individual parts helps to enhance the chances of not getting caught and takes much less time than trying to alter the appearance of a stolen car and equip it with a bogus license plate.
- Half of all vehicle thefts are possible because drivers forget to lock doors or leave keys in the ignition or under the seat, making the task of stealing a car or truck much easier.
By Malcolm Tatum
, Writer
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.