DMV offers tips on preventing vehicle theft

ALBANY | During Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is providing vehicle owners with important steps to take to protect themselves from losing their vehicles, or parts of them, to thieves. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 850,000 drivers fall victim to this crime every year, with total losses worth approximately $8 billion. "Summer is the busiest season for vehicle thefts, so it is a good time to remind New Yorkers about the steps they can take to protect their purchase," said DMV Commissioner and Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder. "You can act to prevent your car from being stolen, and there are ways you can check to be sure a vehicle you are thinking about buying has not been taken from someone else." Recent years have seen an increase in stolen vehicles. Between Jan. 1 and June 30 of this year, DMV recovered 188 vehicles with a total value of almost $5.6 million. Sixteen stolen parts were also recovered, worth $72,598. During that same time period in 2024, DMV recovered 120 vehicles totaling $3,553,167 and had recovered 31 stolen parts for $58,534. All told in 2024, DMV recovered 303 stolen vehicles worth more than $8,300,000 and recovered nearly $92,000 in stolen parts. Gov. Kathy Hochul has called for increased efforts to improve public safety and traffic safety by working to reduce theft. In 2023, she initiated a five-point plan called the Comprehensive Auto-Theft Reduction Strategy (CARS). As part of that plan, New York State Police has increased patrols in high theft areas and the State launched a vehicle theft prevention website to provide resources and education to help New Yorkers take their own measures to prevent auto theft. Here is guidance on how to protect your vehicle from being stolen: Never leave your key fob in the vehicle. Close and lock all windows and doors when you park. Park in well-lit areas if possible. Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they can be seen. And here is how to be sure you don't unintentionally buy a stolen vehicle: Check the VIN before buying a used vehicle to make sure it was not flooded or stolen. The National Insurance Crime Bureau's (NICB) VINCheck is a free service to help consumers determine if a vehicle has been reported as salvaged or stolen. By entering the Vehicle Identification Number of the vehicle they are looking to buy, consumers can learn if the vehicle was ever flooded or stolen. They can search up to five VINs per day. Look for odometer discrepancies. Be cautious about buying a vehicle locally with out-of-state titles or a car being sold with a NY title that has out-of-state inspections stickers, plates or temporary paper plates. This past fall, DMV warned consumers about a surge in online car sales scams and offered guidance on how to protect yourself. New Yorkers should be especially careful about online private sales. DMV has also previously cautioned customers previously cautioned consumers about purchasing vehicles damaged by flooding. Flood damage can affect the engine or transmission, corrode wiring, harm the airbag or impair the vehicle's computers—damage that might not be readily visible. Some sellers take the vehicle from a flooded area and get a new title in a different state before trying to sell it. Consumers should be aware when purchasing used vehicles with titles issued during hurricane periods, even if the title is not from a state affected by the storm. If your vehicle is stolen, report it to the police and your auto insurance company as soon as possible. The police will enter the information into national and state auto theft computer records. The theft will be noted on your vehicle title record to help prevent someone from selling the vehicle or applying for a title. Also ask the police to complete a 'Report of Lost or Stolen Motor Vehicle Items' form (MV-78B) for your stolen plates, which you must submit to the DMV. If only your license plates are stolen, you must still submit the MV-78B form to the DMV along with your vehicle registration. You can find additional information on stolen and recovered vehicles and insurance lapses on stolen vehicles on the DMV website. The DMV also offers additional tips to protect yourself when buying a vehicle. For more information about DMV, follow DMV on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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DMV offers tips on preventing vehicle theft

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