The Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) and State Farm have launched Lock It Down!, a public education campaign aimed at reducing motor vehicle theft, burglary, and fraud during the holiday season and beyond.
The initiative highlights simple preventive measures that drivers can take to protect their vehicles and personal belongings.
Lock It Down! encourages Texans to adopt safety habits like locking doors, avoiding leaving vehicles running unattended, and parking in secure locations. The campaign also advises against leaving valuables in vehicles, particularly firearms, which, if stolen, could be used in criminal activities.
According to the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA), vehicle theft and burglary are widespread issues in Texas.
Over 65,000 cars and trucks are stolen annually in the state, while nearly 200,000 are burglarized. Unlocked doors and keys left inside vehicles are cited as significant factors contributing to these crimes.
The latest ‘Crime in Texas’ report shows a 10.13% increase in property crime related to motor vehicle theft from 2021 to 2022. The total value of stolen vehicles rose from $1.57 billion to $1.72 billion during this period, reflecting the increasing costs of stolen vehicles as a driving factor in this trend.
Rich Johnson, director of Communications and Public Affairs at ICT, underscored the importance of addressing the issue.
"Through the Lock It Down campaign, we aim to empower the community with the knowledge and resources to protect their vehicles from theft and contribute to a safer environment for everyone," said Johnson.
State Farm, a partner in the campaign, emphasized that small actions can make a difference. The insurer recommends locking vehicle doors, removing keys, and parking in well-lit areas to reduce the risk of theft.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that over 1 million vehicles were stolen in the United States in 2022, resulting in more than $8 billion in losses.
Passenger cars represented 74% of these thefts, with popular models. Thieves also target specific parts, such as catalytic converters, which can be lucrative.
Read more: Revealed – vehicle theft hotspots in the US
What are your thoughts on the rising rates of vehicle theft, and what steps do you think would help address this issue? Share your opinions below.
