When a vehicle is stolen, the impact goes far beyond the loss of a car.

Many Pennsylvanians rely on their vehicles every day to get to work, take children to school, attend medical appointments, and run errands. When a vehicle is stolen, daily routines are disrupted immediately. Victims often face insurance deductibles, rental car expenses, missed work, and countless hours dealing with paperwork and recovery efforts.

“People often think vehicle theft only affects the person whose car was taken,” said Steve Wheeler, executive director of the Pennsylvania Auto Theft Prevention Authority. “But auto theft affects entire communities through higher insurance costs, increased law enforcement resources, and the use of stolen vehicles in other crimes.”

According to the Pennsylvania Auto Theft Prevention Authority, nearly half of stolen vehicles in Pennsylvania were left unlocked by their owners. A few simple habits can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

You can help prevent vehicle theft by:

• Locking your vehicle and taking your keys every time you park.
• Removing or hiding valuables from plain sight.
• Parking in well-lit, highly visible locations whenever possible.
• Never leaving a vehicle running and unattended.
• Reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement.

Auto theft remains a crime of opportunity. By making your vehicle a more difficult target, you can help protect yourself and your community.