Auto Theft Popular in August; Awareness Event Combats Alarming Trends

Address from Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Colonel Miller, VIN-etch Demonstration Accompanies Powerful Visual Display This Afternoon

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 13 -- An average of 85-1/2 cars are stolen in Pennsylvania every day, with August being surpassed only by January as the busiest month of the year for car thieves. In support of its goal to educate Pennsylvanians about auto theft and the importance of prevention, the Auto Theft Prevention Authority and the Pennsylvania State Police have joined forces to demonstrate exactly what 85-1/2 cars look like, and explain what people can do to protect their vehicles this summer and beyond.

The event, held at 12:00 noon today at the Pennsylvania State Police headquarters, Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, featured a must-see "reality check" visual - 85-1/2 cars in tight formation demonstrating for the first time a powerful reminder of the realities of auto theft in the cities and towns of Pennsylvania.

Colonel Jeffrey B. Miller, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, delivered a keynote address on the topic of auto theft and the importance of prevention. In addition to Colonel Miller's address, VIN-etching -- a powerful theft deterrent -- was demonstrated on-site.

"Governor Edward Rendell has put a priority on public safety, and that has included a continuing crackdown on auto thieves," Colonel Miller said. "Anti- theft units funded by the Pennsylvania Auto Theft Prevention Authority have helped law enforcement slash the number of vehicle thefts in Pennsylvania in recent years. But we still have a long way to go, and we need the help of every vehicle owner."

Many factors contribute to August's status as the peak summer month for automotive theft. As a peak vacation month, people travel both within and from outside the state to a number of destinations - unaware of auto theft trends at their destination. The heat of summer prompts many to leave car windows down, or even worse, leave cars running with the air conditioning on while the driver runs inside a store, thereby presenting an inviting target of opportunity for would-be thieves.

An alarming trend has also developed during the summer months: juvenile auto theft. With students on summer vacation, juvenile auto theft for transportation, thrills or status is particularly common during August. In fact, juvenile offenses accounted for 37 percent of motor vehicle theft arrests in August of 2003.

"We find that there are a number of factors that contribute to the increased number of auto theft incidents in the month of August, but that there is much that can be done through public awareness to drastically reduce these numbers," said Roy Miller, executive director of the Auto Theft Prevention Authority. "Although our cooperation with grantees such as the Pennsylvania State Police have been extremely fruitful, it is vital that we remind people that simple measures can go a long way in preventing auto theft."

The Authority urges people to visit http://www.watchyourcar.org/ for tips on auto theft prevention and for information on which makes and models top the list as most at risk of theft in Pennsylvania.

"The list may surprise you," says Miller. "What many people do not realize is that it is not the expensive high-end luxury and sports cars that top the list; it is early-to-mid 1990s minivans, pickups and 'average' sedans that continue to top the list year after year."

About the Auto Theft Prevention Authority

Established by the General Assembly (Act 171 of 1994), the Auto Theft Prevention Authority exists to establish, coordinate and fund activities to prevent, combat and reduce automobile theft in Pennsylvania. Today, the Authority funds 15 law enforcement/investigative units and several public outreach programs. The Authority uses no tax dollars, but is supported by annual assessments from auto insurance companies doing business in Pennsylvania. These funds facilitate a cooperative effort by the insurance industry, law enforcement agencies and the citizens of the Commonwealth. For more information please visit http://www.watchyourcar.org/.