Automotive

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-666-2012
Email: [email protected]

Contact: Jessica Sacco
Phone: 978-769-5193
Email: [email protected]

Saugus Police Provide Safety Tips In Conjunction With Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

SAUGUS — Police Chief Domenic DiMella and the Saugus Police Department would like to remind residents about properly securing their vehicles this summer to prevent theft.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is launching its annual Vehicle Theft Prevention Campaign this month, as more cars are stolen in July than any other time during the year.

“With the warm weather, more people are out at night, increasing the odds that vehicles will be broken into and items will be stolen,” Chief DiMella said. “These break-ins are normally opportunist theft, so if your vehicle is properly secured, there is a much greater likelihood it will not be entered.”

The NHTSA reminds drivers to use common sense when parking and exiting your vehicle.

• Take your key, don’t leave it in your vehicle.
• Close and lock all windows and doors.
• Park in well-lit areas, preferably a garage, if possible.
• Never leave valuables in your vehicle, and if you do, make sure they are out of sight.

If your vehicle has been stolen, follow these steps:

• Contact police immediately to file a stolen vehicle report. You’ll need a copy of the police report and/or a case number to provide to your insurance company.
• You may also be asked to provide the following information: license plate number; make, model and color of car and the VIN number and any identifying characteristics.
• Contact your insurance company to file a claim within 24 hours of when you discovered your vehicle was stolen.
• If you find your vehicle before authorities, contact the police and your insurance company immediately

Did you know:

• NHTSA reports a vehicle is stolen about every 45 seconds somewhere in the United States.
• According to the FBI’s 2013 Uniform Crime Report, cars make up about 74 percent of all stolen vehicles. Trucks and buses make up about 15 percent. 
• Only about 45 percent of all stolen vehicles are recovered.
• Just under 700,000 vehicles were stolen in 2013. The estimated rate of motor vehicle thefts was 220 per 100,000 inhabitants.
• The 2013 cost of those vehicles is calculated to be more than $4.1 billion.

###