About two vehicles were stolen every minute in 2022, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
To help Customers learn what they can do to reduce their chances of being victims of auto theft, we spoke with Bob Schoenauer, a senior investigator in the Wisconsin branch of Erie Insurance’s Special Investigation Department.
What Tips Can You Offer to Prevent Car Thefts?
Parking in a well-lit spot is one of the big things that will help deter thieves. If you can, especially in an unfamiliar area, arrive early to give yourself enough time to scan for the lowest-risk spot—one that’s going to have plenty of light and is well populated. Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible, so if you’re in a spot that you think a thief could easily access, you might want to think about moving.
Also, be smart about what you’re leaving in your car. Leaving valuable items like golf clubs or your laptop can increase the likelihood that someone will notice them and will be more apt to break in.
What Should You Do if Your Car Is Stolen?
The first thing is to notify the police. The second thing is to notify your Agent. If you have OnStar, let them know right away because it can potentially help in recovery.
Do Modern Cars Have More Safety Features That Prevent Thefts?
Some of the more recent vehicles have safety features that’ll help, but they can’t always stop it. It should be harder to steal new cars, but it doesn’t always matter what make, model or year the car is. While some cars are targeted more because they’re easier to steal or draw more attention, I hate to say it: no car is totally immune to theft.
What Are Some Common Things That People Do That Increase Risk?
Locking your car sounds pretty obvious, but we hear a lot of people say, “I’ve gotten into the habit of leaving it open.” Another thing we see is people get careless with their fobs and leave them in their cars, especially if they’re warming up their cars during the winter months. Unfortunately, depending on where you are, there could be some opportunistic people watching, and they might see your routine and act fast.
If Your Car Is Stolen, What’s the Likelihood You’ll Get It Back?
Many vehicles are recovered, but they’re often damaged, either because the thieves are reckless in how they use them or because they have no interest in keeping the car. Others might just want to take wheels or other parts to sell. If they are found, it’s typically very quickly—either within the next few days or even a matter of hours. But when they are recovered, from my experience, more than half have damage to some extent.
Schoenauer is a board member of the Anti-Vehicle Crime Association of Wisconsin, a nonprofit whose membership includes professionals from law enforcement and the insurance industry.
