The Rising Threat of Vehicle Theft
According to
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 850,000
drivers fall victim to vehicle theft every year, with total losses reaching
approximately $8 billion.
"Summer
is the busiest season for vehicle thefts, so it is a good time to remind New
Yorkers about the steps they can take to protect their purchase," said DMV
Commissioner and Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder.
He added, "You can act to prevent your car from being stolen, and there
are ways you can check to be sure a vehicle you are thinking about buying has
not been taken from someone else.”
Vehicle
thefts have been on the rise. Between January 1 and June 30 of this year, the
DMV recovered 188 stolen vehicles with a total value of almost $5.6
million. Additionally, sixteen stolen parts worth $72,598 were
recovered.
To put this
in perspective, for the same period in 2024, the DMV recovered 120 vehicles
($3,553,167) and 31 stolen parts ($58,534). Overall, in 2024, the DMV
recovered a total of 303 stolen vehicles worth more than $8,300,000 and
nearly $92,000 in stolen parts.
New York's Action Plan: CARS Strategy
Governor
Kathy Hochul is actively working to boost public and traffic safety by reducing
theft. In 2023, she launched a five-point plan called the Comprehensive
Auto-Theft Reduction Strategy (CARS). As part of this, the New York State
Police have increased patrols in high-theft areas, and the State introduced a vehicle
theft prevention website to offer resources and education to New Yorkers.
New York
State Police Superintendent Steven G. James commented, “Auto theft often involves complex,
organized criminal operations that can span across multiple states. The
magnitude of these thefts impacts the quality of life and financial stability
for all New Yorkers who fall victim to these crimes. By remaining vigilant and
taking the appropriate precautions, you can keep yourself and your vehicle
protected from theft."
New York
State Division of Criminal Justice Commissioner Rossana Rosado emphasized, “Having your vehicle
stolen is costly, stressful and disruptive. Staying alert and taking preventive
measures make a real difference in reducing these crimes."
Essential Steps to Protect Your Vehicle from Theft:
The DMV
provides clear guidance to help you protect your car:
- Never leave your key fob in the
vehicle.
- Close and lock all windows and
doors when you
park.
- Park in well-lit areas if possible.
- Never leave valuables in your
vehicle,
especially if they can be seen.
Buying a Used Vehicle? How to Avoid Buying a Stolen One:
It's equally
important to ensure you don't unknowingly purchase a stolen vehicle.
- Check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
before buying. The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) VINCheck
is a free service. You can enter a VIN to see if a vehicle has been
reported salvaged or stolen. You can search up to five VINs per day.
- Look for odometer discrepancies. An incorrect odometer reading
can be a warning sign.
- Be cautious about buying a
vehicle locally with out-of-state titles, or a car sold with a NY title but having
out-of-state inspection stickers, plates, or temporary paper plates.
Last fall,
the DMV also warned consumers about a rise in online car sales scams and
advised New Yorkers to be very careful with online private sales.
The DMV has
also previously cautioned against buying vehicles damaged by flooding.
Flood damage, which might not be obvious, can impact the engine, transmission,
wiring, airbags, or vehicle computers. Some sellers move flood-damaged cars to
different states to get new titles before trying to sell them. Be aware if
buying used vehicles with titles issued during hurricane periods, even if the
title isn't from a storm-affected state.
If Your Vehicle is Stolen: Act Immediately
If your
vehicle is stolen, take these steps:
1.
Report it to the police and your auto insurance company as soon as
possible. The police
will enter the information into national and state auto theft records. This
also helps prevent anyone from selling the vehicle or applying for a new title.
2.
Ask the police to complete a 'Report of Lost or Stolen Motor Vehicle
Items' form (MV-78B)
for your stolen plates. You must submit this form to the DMV. If only your
license plates are stolen, you must still submit the MV-78B form to the DMV
along with your vehicle registration.
For more
information on stolen and recovered vehicles and insurance lapses on stolen
vehicles, visit the DMV website.
