Reso 2000-217 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. . , , Understanding Auto Theft The following information is taken from the annual Uniform Crime Report published by the Justice Department of the United States, and the annual report of the National Automobile Theft Bureau. An estimated total of 1,353,707 thefts of motor vehicles occurred in the United States in 1997. During 1997, the estimated value of motor vehicles stolen nationwide w~ more than $7.0 billion. Automobiles accounted for 77% of all motor vehicles reported stolen during 1997 In 1997, motor vehicle theft, by value, comprised 49.5% of ~ prop~ crimeS. Motor vehicle theft comprised 12% of all property crime. Relatjng the value of vehicles stolen to the value of those recovered resulted. in a. 67.1% recovery rate for 1997. .~ The Nature of Auto Theft Although some cars are stolen by joyriders, about 80% of auto theft is done by professionals. Stolen vehicles are a huge black market business as the average automobile is worth three times its purchase price is stripped and sold piece by piece. The bottom line is that ALL consumers are susceptible to auto theft. Once the thief has stolen a care he will usually park it for about a day to let it "cool off" before he takes it to a "chop shop" where the car is stripped. The caris usually driven for no more than" to-IS miles because the longer the thief is behind the wheel, the higher his risk of getting caught. LOJACK allows the police the opportunity to recover the car .before it is stripped. " ..' ". Recently, a disturbing new trend in auto theft has been occurring throughout the United States-CARJACKING. Carjacking is the forceful theft of a motor vehicle while the owner is present. Some helpful hints to protect against carjackers include: keeping the doors locked at all times; being on the lookout for strangers who might approach the car; and most importantly, do not resist a carjacker. LOJACK POLlCE PRODUCTS BROCHURE REVISED _ June 9, 1999 PAGE HI