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Department of Motor Vehicles warning St. Lawrence County residents to take precautions against holiday vehicle thefts

Posted 12/21/15

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is warningresidents, including those in St. Lawrence County, about thefts of items from vehicles and car theft this holiday season. Thefts can often occur when …

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Department of Motor Vehicles warning St. Lawrence County residents to take precautions against holiday vehicle thefts

Posted

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is warningresidents, including those in St. Lawrence County, about thefts of items from vehicles and car theft this holiday season.

Thefts can often occur when people load their vehicles with gifts or leave their cars running to warm up in cold weather, DMV says.

According to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) about 18 percent of larcenies, or more than 48,000 incidents, reported by local authorities in 2014 involved the theft of items from vehicles -- 3,991 in December of that year alone.

“Transportation experts have found that much of vehicle theft, and theft from vehicles, is preventable, which means it’s important that we spread the word and let New Yorkers know the steps they can take to reduce the odds that they’ll be victimized,” said DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan. “Although vehicle thefts occur year-round, it is especially important to know the do’s and don’ts of holiday shopping to protect ourselves, our vehicles, and the gifts we hope to share.”

The holidays are a time to be particularly wary of theft. Many shoppers leave bags and gifts in their cars while they continue shopping for loved ones, and cooler temperatures often prompt drivers to warm up their cars before taking off, leaving them running with the keys in the ignition and the doors unlocked. Sometimes, it’s not personal items that thieves are after – it’s the parts of your vehicle. Among some of the most popular parts or items that thieves sell from vehicles are engines, transmissions, air bags, radios, GPS units, phones or iPods, laptops, and purses.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s annual “Crime in the United States” report from 2014 indicates that New York has one of the lowest rates in the nation of motor vehicle theft per 100,000 people. While nearly 15,700 vehicles were stolen in New York last year, the number has been steadily declining in recent years.

New Yorkers should consider these tips to keep vehicles and the items inside them from being targets of criminals:

• Always take your keys – don’t leave them in or on your vehicle.

• Double-check that you have closed all of the windows and locked the doors.

• Park in well-lit areas and attended lots when possible.

• Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle, especially where they can be seen. This means hands-free devices, GPS devices, and even phone chargers. It also includes personal papers and a second set of keys: keep them with you, not in a glove box.

• Place gifts, packages, and bags, especially while out holiday shopping, in the trunk and not within view. Even leaving such items under a blanket in the backseat can illicit attention, leaving your car vulnerable to theft.

• Anyone who has had their vehicle stolen or items from their vehicle stolen should contact police immediately to file a report. If your car has been stolen, follow a call to the police with one to your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim.