Released: June 30, 2008

The National Insurance Crime Bureau and Lojack Corporation have designated July as National Vehicle Theft Protection Month. In an effort to raise public awareness about car theft, Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon and the Department of Insurance’s Louisiana Automobile Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority (LATIFPA) is offering Louisiana motorists tips for vehicle crime prevention.

• Lock your doors.
• Remove your keys from the ignition and never leave your car with the engine running.
• Close your windows completely.
• Never hide a second set of keys anywhere on your car.
• Never leave packages or personal items in plain view.
• Park with the wheels turned toward the curb, even in driveways or parking lots. This makes your car difficult to tow.
• Always use your emergency brake when parking.
• Park in well lighted areas or attended lots.
• Keep your registration card in your purse or wallet, not in your glove compartment.
• Activate any anti-theft device you have when you vacate your car.
• Have your vehicle identification number etched into your windshield.

Commissioner Donelon says vehicle theft has become a huge business. “Car theft rings sell stolen vehicles in other countries or take them to chop shops where the parts are sold. They also look for older vehicles that can be stolen and stripped for parts as well.” Commissioner Donelon adds that stolen cars are also used in robberies, illegal drug trafficking and drive by shootings. “The high incidents of auto theft claims in Louisiana ultimately lead to higher insurance rates, so protect your vehicle by following our tips for vehicle crime prevention,” the Commissioner says.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau is the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization dedicated exclusively to preventing, detecting and defeating insurance fraud and vehicle theft through information analysis, investigations, training and public awareness.

The LoJack Corporation is a worldwide provider of wireless tracking and vehicle recovery systems. The LoJack Stolen Vehicle Recovery System is a silent tracking device hidden in your vehicle that is automatically activated when you report your car stolen to the police, enabling law enforcement to track and recover your vehicle.

For more information on the prevention of vehicle theft and insurance fraud, contact LATIFPA staff at 225-342-0819 or 1-800-259-5300.