You walk out to the parking lot and you look for your car. “Where did I park?” You look around with annoyance, then panic starts to set in, “…could it be possible that my car was stolen, no way!!” You stand there in dis-belief, looking around in the hopes that you will see someone driving up with your car to give it back. Why would someone steal your car!!??? I mean, come on, you had your lap top and CDs on the passenger’s seat and your window was cracked, not enough to where someone could reach in unless they were a midget…that’s it, maybe a midget stole my car!!! Little bastard!
But if you re-trace your steps, there is probably something you could have done to lessen the chances of your car being “jacked.” First, never leave your car running unattended, that’s just asking for it! You think you’re just going to run in and buy a pack of smokes and you come back out and your car is already have way to the chop shop! Keep all your valuables out of plain sight. If you leave your computer, CDs, jewelry or porn lying around, you might as well just post a sign on your windshield that says, “I’m a dumbass, please help yourself to what is mine!” Always roll up your windows even if you are parked outside of your house, unless you have farted and you need to air it out. Never, ever, leave your keys in the car! You would think that would go without saying, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to steal your ride if your keys are on the front seat. Here is a list of states and cities with the highest vehicle theft but keep in mind, you don’t have to live in these places to be a victim.
#1 California
Approx. 242,693 auto thefts per year
#2 Texas
Approx. 95,429 auto thefts per year
#3 Florida
Approx. 76,437 auto thefts per year
#4 Arizona
Approx. 54,849 auto thefts per year
#5 Michigan
Approx. 50,017 auto thefts per year
#6 Washington
Approx. 45,899 auto thefts per year
#7 Georgia
Approx. 43,163 auto thefts per year
#8 Illinois
Approx. 37,641 auto thefts per year
#9 Ohio
Approx. 37,425 auto thefts per year
#10 New York
Approx. 32,134 auto thefts per year
U.S. Cities with the Highest Auto Theft Rates
**Results are calculated on a scale of thefts per 100,000 people
1. Modesto, California
2. Laredo, Texas
3. Yakima, Washington
4. San Diego/Carlsbad/San Marcos, California
5. Bakersfield, California
6. Stockton, California
7. Las Vegas/Paradise, Nevada
8. Albuquerque, New Mexico
9. San Francisco/Oakland/Freemont, California
10. Fresno, California
11. Visalia-Porterville, California
12. Detroit, Michigan
13. Tucson, Arizona
14. Sacramento, California
15. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
16. El Centro, California
17. El Paso, Texas
18. Vallejo, California
19. Phoenix, Arizona
20. Eugene, Oregon
21. San Bernardino, California
22. Columbus, Ohio
23. Miami, Florida
24. Los Angeles, California
25. New Orleans, Louisiana
U.S. Cities with the Lowest Auto Theft Rates
**Results are calculated on a scale of thefts per 100,000 people
1. Virginia Beach, Virginia
2. New York, New York
3. Austin, Texas
4. Arlington, Texas
5. San Antonio, Texas
6. Louisville, Kentucky
7. San Jose, California
8. Wichita, Kansas
9. Colorado Springs, Colorado
10. Jacksonville, Florida
Just a few simple methods that were mentioned can save you from being a statistic. Join me again next week and until then…
Take care and be safe-
Danny Keaton