The number of car thefts in Lexington and around the country is on the rise. Triple-A Bluegrass reports vehicle thefts nationwide topped the 1-million mark last year for the first time in 15 years. In Lexington, the number of reported vehicle thefts rose nearly 26 percent last year and is projected to rise again this year. Lori Weaver Hawkins, the public affairs manager for Triple-A Bluegrass, said many vehicle thefts are due to driver error.
“That means that folks have left their keys in their vehicle, or they've left their vehicle, even idling in the summer, they might want to, you know, get that air conditioner, going and winter, they want to heat the car.”
Hawkins said victims of vehicle theft aren’t the only people hurt by this crime.
“Insurance is in the business of spreading that risk around. Okay, so if there are a lot of vehicle fit thefts, you can bet that your premiums are going to be higher.”
Hawkins said to help keep your vehicle from being stolen, don’t leave it running unattended and always lock it – even in your own garage. Anti-theft devices like a loud car alarm, immobilization and tracking devices can help, too.
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