« Back to News Room Spike in Vehicle Break-ins around South Carolina July 30, 2009 Protect Your Car from Theft Warns the South Carolina Insurance News Service FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Russ Dubisky, Executive Director 803-252-3455 or cell phone 803-708-5271 russd@scinsnews.com Columbia, S.C. – July 30, 2009 - Law enforcement officials in South Carolina have reported a spike in the number of vehicle break-ins this summer. Thieves are stealing GPS systems, iPods, laptops, money, CDs, stereo equipment, clothes and gifts. Each year, more than $1 billion in personal items and accessories are estimated to be stolen from vehicles in more than 2 million thefts. "If you leave valuable possessions visible in your car then you're leaving bait for thieves. With some common sense preventative measures, you can reduce the chances your vehicle will be a target," says Allison Dean Love, executive director of the South Carolina Insurance News Service. The South Carolina Insurance News Service offers the following tips to prevent vehicle break-ins: Use common sense. Lock your doors, remove the keys and park in a well-lit public area. Many vehicle break-ins are from unlocked cars, according to law enforcement agencies. Avoid parking in areas which conceal your vehicle. Hide valuables. Don’t leave anything of value in view. Completely remove your GPS system and its windshield mount, iPod, packages and other valuables from the car. Even items stored in the trunk aren’t safe from thieves. Customized audio components make a car more attractive to thieves because it is easier for them to remove the system. Utilize visible and audible devices such as alarms or steering wheel locks. Also make sure your vehicle identification number (VIN) is etched on your vehicle. Other devices include brake locks, steering wheel locks, tire locks/tire deflators, theft deterrent decals and micro dot marking. The noise alone from an audible device may be enough to scare away a thief and prevent the break-in. For a detailed list of anti-theft devices, along with their costs and benefits, visit www.nicb.org. Completely close windows and sunroofs. In addition to leaving an easy entrance for thieves, open windows will disable the pressure sensor in some car alarms, leaving the vehicle more vulnerable to break-in and potentially giving thieves more time before the alarm sounds. Purchase a tracking device which emits a signal to police when the vehicle is reported stolen. Car buyers should consider a vehicle’s theft rate before purchasing a new car. Ask your insurance agent or company for information, or visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s latest ratings at www.highwaysafety.org to view your vehicle’s theft loss information. Automobile insurance policies normally pay for auto-related equipment only, not personal items stored in a car. If you had personal items stolen from or damaged while in your vehicle, your policy may not pay for them, or may pay only a limited amount. However, if you have a homeowners or renters insurance policy, your personal property may be covered. Visit the South Carolina Insurance News Service at www.scinsurance.net for more information on preventing vehicle break-ins and vehicle theft. For more than 30 years the South Carolina Insurance News Service, a nonprofit, nonlobbying organization, has been providing property and casualty insurance information to consumers in South Carolina. The South Carolina Insurance News Service is funded by insurance companies doing business in South Carolina. ### For more information, contact the South Carolina Insurance News Service at 803-252-3455 or use our contact form. Upstate man pleads guilty to insurance fraud July 30, 2010 Enjoy the ride on your golf cart or moped July 29, 2010 How to File a Claim After Storm Damage July 28, 2010 For News Service Members: Time to Register for the 2010 Annual Meeting and S.C. Legislative Conference July 23, 2010 Lyman woman pleads guilty to insurance fraud July 15, 2010 Myrtle Beach man pleads guilty to insurance fraud and arson July 15, 2010 Myrtle Beach woman pleads guilty to insurance fraud July 15, 2010 Don't let hurricane season blow your homeowners insurance off course June 30, 2010 Lexington man pleads guilty to insurance fraud June 30, 2010 PSAs on hurricane preparedness from the S.C. Insurance News Service provided June 28, 2010 » News Room » Click here for more information » Click here for more information