Why is auto theft higher in port and border cities?

Michael Erwin, a spokesperson for the NICB says, “Most of the 20,000 stolen vehicles that are illegally exported from the United States are stolen from port and border cities.

Robert Bryant, president and CEO of the NICB says, “More and more vehicles are being targeted for export by thieves who sneak them out through ports and across borders.” According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, here are the top 10 port or border cities for auto theft:

1) City: New York, Number of stolen vehicles: 39,693

2) City: Chicago, Number of stolen vehicles: 31,524

3) City: Los Angeles, Number of stolen vehicles: 24,677

4) City: Houston, Number of stolen vehicles: 19,445

5) City: Phoenix, Number of stolen vehicles: 17,959

6) City: Dallas, Number of stolen vehicles: 17,854

7) City: Philadelphia, Number of stolen vehicles: 17,711

8) City: San Diego, Number of stolen vehicles: 9,491

9) City: Seattle, Number of stolen vehicles: 8,640

10) City: St. Louis, Number of stolen vehicles: 6,645

If you live in one of those cities, you might want to think about getting more security features in your car. There are plenty of security features and gadgets that you can choose from in order to make your car safer and less attractive to thieves.

For starters, make sure that you don’t leave any bags, money, or whatever it is that might catch the thief’s eye on the seat of the car. Close all windows, doors, and don’t leave your car alone when quickly running back to the house.

Erwin says, “The use of alarms and immobilizers has definitely helped lower the theft rate.” Statistics have shown that these alarms and immobilizers really do make a difference, and will, in fact, prevent auto theft to a certain degree. Make sure that your car is in a safe place at night, and hopefully in a safe parking location during the day.