FBI reports a decline in auto theft in 2010

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released new 2010 statistics on crime in the United States and finds that auto thefts continue to decline. Thefts are down over 7 percent from last year to 737,142, a 38 percent drop from 2006. This number is even down 40 percent compared to 2001. Still, over $4.5 billion was lost to motor vehicle theft last year, with the average loss per vehicle at $6,152.

One reason for the drop in thefts is, as Ford points out in a press release about the FBI findings today, the use of technology that makes it harder for thieves to steal vehicles in the first place. Keyless entry, alarm systems, panic alerts, and electronic immobilizers make it increasingly difficult to hot-wire a vehicle.

Just last month, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) published the list of vehicles with the highest insurance claims. The Cadillac Escalade made the top spot.

While it is good news that these crimes are going down, one of the main reasons vehicles are stolen is due to driver error. You still need to be extra vigilant to protect yourself and your vehicle from being a target for thieves.

Tips to prevent your car from being stolen:

• Lock your car. It is common sense that many thefts happen to unlocked vehicles. The goal is to make your car less desirable than others, and a locked door is a simple deterrent.
  
• Never leave your car running unattended and always take your keys with you. Otherwise, you are inviting thieves to drive off with your ride.
  
• Keep windows closed when you park and leave your vehicle. A slender arm or clothes hanger can reach in through even a narrow opening to unlock the door.
  
• Don't store valuables or expensive electronics in plain sight. Don't create an unnecessary temptation: take portable devices with you.
  
• Park in a well-lighted, public place when running errands and at home. A car will be safer in a garage than in a driveway or at a curb.
  
• Use a visual warning device, such as a blinking light, as a deterrent. An alarm can be effective, but it is even better if the crook doesn't break into the vehicle in the first place. If your car is not factory-equipped with these features, they can be installed at a local automotive stereo shop.
  
• Smart keys or a fuel cut-off system, aka engine immobilizer, are standard on many late-model cars and can add security. Thieves are less likely to steal a car they cannot start.
  
• For advanced protection, install a GPS or radio frequency tracking system in your vehicle to help police find it.

—Liza Barth