July is National Vehicle Theft Awareness Month. In 2023, the State of Missouri reported more than 26,000 were stolen. Several recommendations are made to help prevent vehicle theft. They include:
- Never leave year keys in your vehicle when unattended.
- Never leave your vehicle running, even if it is locked.
- Park in well-lit areas and always take your key.
- If you’re parking in a home garage, ensure both the garage and your vehicle are kept secure. Garage doors are notoriously left open or unlocked and they’re easy to compromise.
- Hide your wheel lock key where only you can find it. Wheels and tires are quick and easy to steal, and thieves know to look for wheel lock keys in glove boxes and center consoles.
- Manufacture and aftermarket security systems for vehicles can help to track and locate a vehicle that has been stolen.
