New York Car Theft Hotspots Shift Away from Homes

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A new study analyzing car theft data in New York State over the past five years has found that the majority of incidents, around 85%, occur when vehicles are parked in public places like streets, roads, parking lots, and garages - not at people's homes. This is in contrast to the national trend where most car thefts happen at the owner's residence. The data highlights the need for New York drivers to be vigilant about securing their vehicles even when making quick stops.

Why it matters

This shift in where car thefts are happening in New York is significant, as it means drivers can no longer assume their vehicle is safe just because it's parked at home. The findings underscore the importance of practicing good security habits like locking doors, hiding valuables, and using anti-theft devices even when making short trips away from the vehicle.

The details

The study looked at over 87,000 car thefts reported in New York State over a five-year period. It found that only 15% of the stolen vehicles were taken from the owner's home, while 85% were stolen from public places like streets, roads, parking lots, and garages. About 75% of the thefts occurred on streets, roads, highways, alleys, or sidewalks, including curbside and street parking. Nearly 20% happened in parking lots or garages, often near offices or apartments.

• The study analyzed car theft data in New York State over the past five years.

What’s next

The findings highlight the need for New York drivers to be more vigilant about securing their vehicles even when making quick stops, and to consider using visible anti-theft devices like steering wheel locks, car alarms, and GPS tracking to deter would-be thieves.