First, the good news: 

On Monday, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported that 2008 marked the nation’s fifth consecutive year of declining vehicle thefts in the United States.

Now, the bad news:

Although most areas experienced a reduction in vehicle theft, there were several noteworthy exceptions in states that border Mexico.  According to the new report by the NICB, the 10 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) with the highest vehicle theft rates for 2008 were:

Modesto, CA.

Laredo, TX.

Yakima, WA.

San Diego/Carlsbad/San Marcos, CA.

Bakersfield, CA.

Stockton, CA.

Las Vegas/Paradise, NV.

Albuquerque, NM.

San Francisco/Oakland/Fremont, CA.

Fresno, CA.

The Texas MSAs of El Paso, Laredo and San Antonio, as well as Las Cruces in New Mexico each saw an increase in 2008, while the Golden State of California ranks number one in total thefts.

Compared to 2007, I think there are some surprises.  While Modesto ranked number one on the list in both 2007 and 2008, Bakersfield jumped 10 spots – coming in at number 15 in 2007 and then rising to take the number 5 spot in 2008 – that’s quite a leap in just one year. Yakima, Washington also surprised me; it was number 9 on the 2007 list and managed to jump to number 3 in 2008.   I used to live in Washington near Yakima, so I’m quite surprised by the figures for that area.

There is some good news though: Preliminary 2008 crime data released by the FBI in January has indicated that 2008 will post a double-digit decline in vehicle theft when final numbers are released in the fall. If the preliminary figure of -12.6% holds, it will be the largest single year percent drop in thefts since 1999.

NICB recommends the following actions under its “layered approach” to vehicle theft protection:

1. Common Sense: The common sense approach to protection is the simplest and most cost-effective way to thwart would-be thieves. Secure your vehicle even if parking for brief periods.  You should always:

• Remove your keys from the ignition
• Lock your doors /close your windows
• Park in a well-lit area

2. Warning Device: The second layer of protection is a visible or audible device which alerts thieves that your vehicle is protected. Popular second layer devices include:

• Audible alarms
• Steering column collars
• Steering wheel/brake pedal lock
• Brake locks
• Wheel locks
• Tire locks/tire deflators
• Theft deterrent decals
• Identification markers in or on vehicle
• VIN etching

3. Immobilizing Device: The third layer of protection is a device which prevents thieves from bypassing your ignition and hot-wiring the vehicle. Some electronic devices have computer chips in ignition keys. Other devices inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch or button is activated. Popular third layer devices include:

• Smart keys
• Fuse cut-offs
• Kill switches
• Starter, ignition and fuel pump disablers
• Wireless ignition authentication

4. Tracking Device: The final layer of protection is a tracking device which emits a signal to police or a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles.

For more ways to prevent vehicle theft, check out this Cars for Girls article, 5 Ways to Prevent Vehicle Theft.

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