July is Vehicle Theft Prevention Month
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration marks July as National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month. It is important for car owners to remember to take the right precautions to protect their vehicle from theft. As a business, it is imperative to remind drivers to lock their cars and keep valuables out of sight.
In 2015, 707, 758 vehicles were reported stolen in the United States, coming in at a cost of $5 billion. Approximately 45% of those cars were never recovered. The main season for vehicle theft is the summer, while the most popular months during which these incidents occur are July and August. The top five states that suffered from the most vehicle theft in 2015 were California, Texas, Florida, Washington and Georgia.
The top reason why most vehicle theft occurs is due to driver error. Many drivers forget items in the car that they leave out in the open, park in a dangerous area, or leave the windows open when leaving the car.
How can you prevent vehicle theft?
- Never leave your keys unattended in your vehicle.
- Be sure to close and lock all windows and doors when you leave the car.
- Park your car in a well-lit area, or in a garage if possible.
- If you have to leave any valuables in the car, lock them in the trunk.
At SmartSign, it is our duty to create signage which will help businesses ensure patrons that they are not liable for lost, stolen or damaged items, while also ensuring that drivers are aware of the possibility of theft. Browse our collection of “Not Responsible for Theft, Lock Your Car” signs. Remember, a simple sign can prevent you from becoming victim to a possible car thief on the loose!