Unlocked, Unattended Vehicles Stolen Every 40 Minutes In Maryland

MARYLAND — Every 40 minutes, a car is stolen in Maryland. Half of the vehicles stolen had the keys or key fobs left inside the vehicle; and in 60 percent of vehicle thefts, the vehicles had been left unlocked.

July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, and the Maryland State Police — along with the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council — are reminding motorists to take simple steps to prevent their vehicles from being stolen.

According to the state police, more than 66 percent of vehicle thefts occur at night, and 95 percent of the vehicles stolen had no anti-theft devices. National surveys show that 33 percent of drivers left their vehicle unattended while it was running; and driver error is to blame for up to 50 percent of vehicle thefts due to keys left in the ignition, key fobs left in vehicle, windows left down and doors left unlocked .

The Vehicle Theft Prevention Council reports that 95 percent of stolen vehicles had no apparent anti-theft device and that 22 percent of stolen vehicles are never recovered.

The following steps can reduce the chances of a vehicle being stolen:

• Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Do not leave the area while your vehicle is running.
• Do not leave your keys/key fobs in your vehicle.
• Always stow away your valuables.