AAA: Tips to help protect your car from theft

MIAMI VALLEY — AAA is urging vehicle owners to protect themselves against car thefts.

Across the country, 2020 saw the most vehicle thefts in more than a decade, and the trend continued in 2021, they said in a release.

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Top five vehicles stolen in Ohio according to the NICB:

1. Ford Pick-Up
2. Chevrolet Pick-Up
3. Honda Accord
4. Honda Civic
5. Chevrolet Malibu

The average claim for stolen vehicles in Ohio was between $8,000 to $10,000 — only comprehensive insurance policies, which are optional, cover stolen cars, said Dan Scroggins, managing director, AAA Insurance.

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AAA shared the following tips to help protect your car against theft:

• Never leave your vehicle running with the keys in it.
• Never leave your keys in the vehicle – the convenient ‘keyless’ feature is not only convenient for the car owner, but it is also convenient for the thief who can steal your car with the touch of a button.
• Lock your car – even without the keys, thieves are more likely to steal a car left unlocked
• Park your vehicle in a garage or a well-lit area – at home, at the mall or on the road, always try to park in an area where suspicious activity would be noticeable.
• Keep valuables out of sight.

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