Click for more.
One vehicle is stolen every 31 seconds in the United States according to a Consumer Allert issued today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (Read AutoInformed on Kia and Hyundai Models Have Highest Theft Rates in 2023)*
“Each year, vehicle theft costs Americans more than $8 billion. Victims are left handling the aftermath, such as higher insurance premiums and vehicle depreciation if they’re lucky enough to get their vehicle back. More than 1 million vehicles were stolen in 2023, a 25% increase in vehicle thefts over the previous few years,” NHTSA said.
Vehicle Anti-Theft Tips
- Park in well-lit areas.
- Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
- Hide valuables.
- Don’t leave a running vehicle unattended.
- If your vehicle has an immobilizer, use your key fob to lock your vehicle.
- Don’t leave your keys in your vehicle — including when you fill up at the gas station.
- Purchase an anti-theft system if the vehicle didn’t come equipped with one.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Hyundai and Kia models had the dubious distinction of taking the top three spots of America’s most stolen vehicles in 2023. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Honda Accord, Honda Civic and Ford F-150 series pickup also made the list.
In response to a TikTok social media challenge that resulted in at least 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities, Hyundai and Kia rolled out free theft-deterrent software and hardware modifications.
In addition to preventing thefts, drivers can use vehicle recovery systems to locate stolen vehicles and lessen the economic impact of the theft. For more information on motor vehicle theft prevention, visit NHTSA.gov/theft.
* AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, publisher (kzhw@aol.com), is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
Zino is at home on test tracks, knows his way around U.S. Congressional hearing rooms, auto company headquarters, plant floors, as well as industry research and development labs where the real mobility work is done. He can quote from court decisions, refer to instrumented road tests, analyze financial results, and profile executive personalities and corporate cultures.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
NHTSA – 31 Second Consumer Alert on Vehicle Theft
Click for more.
One vehicle is stolen every 31 seconds in the United States according to a Consumer Allert issued today by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (Read AutoInformed on Kia and Hyundai Models Have Highest Theft Rates in 2023)*
“Each year, vehicle theft costs Americans more than $8 billion. Victims are left handling the aftermath, such as higher insurance premiums and vehicle depreciation if they’re lucky enough to get their vehicle back. More than 1 million vehicles were stolen in 2023, a 25% increase in vehicle thefts over the previous few years,” NHTSA said.
Vehicle Anti-Theft Tips
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Hyundai and Kia models had the dubious distinction of taking the top three spots of America’s most stolen vehicles in 2023. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Honda Accord, Honda Civic and Ford F-150 series pickup also made the list.
In response to a TikTok social media challenge that resulted in at least 14 reported crashes and eight fatalities, Hyundai and Kia rolled out free theft-deterrent software and hardware modifications.
In addition to preventing thefts, drivers can use vehicle recovery systems to locate stolen vehicles and lessen the economic impact of the theft. For more information on motor vehicle theft prevention, visit NHTSA.gov/theft.
* AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, publisher (kzhw@aol.com), is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. Zino is at home on test tracks, knows his way around U.S. Congressional hearing rooms, auto company headquarters, plant floors, as well as industry research and development labs where the real mobility work is done. He can quote from court decisions, refer to instrumented road tests, analyze financial results, and profile executive personalities and corporate cultures. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.