State Representative Ryan Spain (il) | Representative Ryan Spain (R) 73rd District Deputy Republican Leader
State Representative Ryan Spain (il) | Representative Ryan Spain (R) 73rd District Deputy Republican Leader
Vehicle theft has been on the rise since 2019, with over one million vehicles reported stolen across the United States in 2023. In Illinois alone, 41,528 vehicles were stolen during this period, marking a 7% increase from the previous year, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
The Illinois Statewide Auto Theft Task Force (ISATT) has been active in addressing this issue. In fiscal year 2024, they conducted 1,854 investigations and successfully recovered 1,346 vehicles valued at approximately $30 million.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that a vehicle is stolen every 31 seconds in the United States. This rampant theft results in an annual cost of over $8 billion to vehicle owners.
In Illinois, certain car models are more frequently targeted by thieves. The top ten most stolen vehicles include:
- Hyundai Elantra
- Hyundai Sonata
- Kia Optima
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Kia Forte
- Kia Sportage
- Kia Soul
- Hyundai Tucson
- Dodge Charger
- Infiniti Q50
To combat vehicle theft, several preventive measures are recommended:
1. Park in well-lit areas.
2. Ensure all windows and doors are closed and locked when parking.
3. Keep valuables out of sight by storing them in the glove box or trunk.
4. Never leave keys inside the vehicle.
5. Avoid leaving your vehicle running unattended.
If a vehicle is stolen, it is crucial to take immediate action:
"Contact police immediately to file a stolen-vehicle report," authorities advise. Statistics show that "thirty-four percent of recovered stolen vehicles are found on the same day as the theft, and 45 percent are recovered within two days."
Additionally, contacting your insurance company within 24 hours is essential for filing a claim. Required information typically includes a copy of the police report or case number and details such as license plate number, make and model of the vehicle, color, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and any unique identifying characteristics.
"If you find your vehicle before authorities do," officials recommend contacting both "the police and your insurance company immediately."
Further guidance on reporting stolen vehicles can be accessed through appropriate channels.
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