With the arrival of July comes an increased focus on preventing motor vehicle theft, as the Minneapolis Police Department has declared it Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Month. The department shared a post on their official Facebook page detailing both the frequency of car thefts and preventative measures that can be taken. "Every 32 seconds, a car is stolen in the U.S.," the post begins, underlining the extent of the problem but also suggesting that "many of these thefts can be stopped before they happen."
The Minneapolis Police Department has advised a set of straightforward actions to reduce the risk of vehicle theft. These include always removing keys from the vehicle, locking doors and windows even when parked at home, opting to park in well-lit and busy areas, and installing an engine immobilizer, which prevents the car from starting without the right key. They also advise to "Add GPS tracking – This can help us find your car" in the event it gets stolen.
In addition to these tips, the police department encourages the public to be proactive with surveillance. They suggest that those with security cameras register them with the city through a link provided in their post. This allows police to quickly locate video evidence where break-ins have occurred. Their message is clear: the public can actively participate in making the community safer.
In case of the unfortunate event that your car gets stolen, the Minneapolis Police Department stressed calling them immediately and also contacting your insurance company within 24 hours. They reminded the public, "If it’s found, let the police and your insurance company know immediately." The department further warned against leaving valuables in the car, as it can incentivize thieves to make away with more than just the vehicle itself. Through their social media outreach, they effectively conveyed that prevention is key, hoping to empower vehicle owners to take control of their property's security.
