Maryland State Police and the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council (MVTPC) are urging drivers to take extra precautions during National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month in July, warning that vehicle thefts typically increase during the summer.
According to the MVTPC, a vehicle is stolen every 27 minutes in Maryland. Officials say 60% of stolen vehicles were left unlocked, 50% had keys or key fobs inside, and 95% lacked any anti-theft device. Most thefts occur overnight.
Authorities recommend always taking keys or fobs with you, locking doors and windows, parking in well-lit areas, removing valuables from sight, never leaving a vehicle running unattended, and using anti-theft devices such as steering wheel or brake pedal locks. The MVTPC, created by the Maryland General Assembly in 1994, says vehicle thefts have declined nearly 37% statewide since its creation and recently awarded $2.2 million in grants to support enforcement, education and prevention efforts.
