With the summer travel season in full swing, it’s a good time to remind the public to be mindful about where and how they leave their vehicles.

In 2023, more than 1 million vehicle thefts were reported nationally, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This means that a vehicle was stolen every 32 seconds.

July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, which aims to highlight the severity of motor vehicle theft and provide consumers with preventive measures to protect their vehicles. In a news release, the Michigan State Police’s Automobile Theft Prevention Authority recommended steps people can take to avoid becoming part of those theft statistics.

“We want vehicle owners to know there are precautions they can take to reduce the risk of auto theft,” said Chris Baldwin, ATPA executive director. “Something as simple as always locking your car and not leaving the keys inside increase the chances that those looking for an easy theft will move along.”

Additional tips from ATPA to reduce being a victim of vehicle theft include —

– Park in well-lit areas;

– Close and lock all windows and doors when parked;

– Keep valuables out of sight, such as in the glove box or trunk;

– Do not leave keys in the vehicle;

– Do not leave the area while the vehicle is running;

– If the manufacturer did not provide an anti-theft system, consider purchasing extra layers of protection for the vehicle;

– Consider being current with the vehicle manufacturer’s subscription-based communications, emergency services and remote diagnostics systems.

For more on the ATPA, go online to https://www.michigan.gov/msp/divisions/grantscommunityservices/atpa.

— Iron Mountain Daily News