The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is reminding drivers to take their keys and lock their vehicles, or risk becoming a statistic. It might seem like a no-brainer, but last year some 45,000 drivers admitted that they had left their keys in the car when it was stolen.
"This may sound like a broken record," said NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle. "But the simple fact is, too many people make it easy for car thieves. We repeatedly warn motorists to lock it up and take the keys, but our research shows that in too many cases, that's not happening. Today's vehicles have excellent anti-theft systems, but they don't work if you don't use them."
A new PSA, "If Only Cars Could Talk," uses animated cars to drive home the point that a thoughtless driver may regret the decision to leave the car unlocked with the keys inside because they are only making a quick stop.
Another major concern for insurers and law enforcement is the growing crime of cargo theft. A second PSA, "Cargo Theft," highlights the fact that the theft of electronics, retail goods, food, and pharmaceuticals from cargo-carrying vehicles is a threat to our economy and can also impact the health and welfare of the American public.
The average cargo theft resulted in a loss of $237,000 last year -- that's just the average of one out of many!
Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 800-TEL-NICB (800-835-6422), texting keyword "fraud" to TIP411 (847411) or submitting a form on our website. Or, download the NICB Fraud Tips app on your iPhone or Android device. To learn more, visit www.nicb.orgor follow @insurancecrime on Twitter.