According to recent data, from 2021 to 2022, car thefts in Florida climbed by around 6%. The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s most recent statistics show that here in the Sunshine State, there were about 46000 vehicle thefts last year. We are ranked fourth in the nation as a result.
“A lot of people just have a false sense of security and think they’re safe in their surroundings. While that may be true, 99 percent of the time, all it takes is one person in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Phil Martello, a public information officer for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
53 motor vehicle thefts have occurred in Hillsborough County since April 3rd, and 40% of them involved unlocked vehicles.
“It is a crime of opportunity. It makes it a lot easier for someone to get in your car,” Martello said.
The tweet below confirms the news:
New data shows that car thefts are on the rise in Florida https://t.co/17APP0NTtT
— FOX 13 Tampa Bay (@FOX13News) April 19, 2023
Drivers of pickup trucks must pay additional attention. Full-sized Ford and Chevy pickup trucks are the two most stolen car models, according to carverticle.com.
In order to protect their vehicles from thieves, drivers can take advantage of some additional advice from AAA.
“Parking in a well-lit area, locking the doors, closing the windows, removing spare keys, and making sure you haven’t left any valuables in plain sight,” said AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins.
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