April 28, 2005

Lansing - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has designated May 2-6, as Auto Theft Awareness Week in Michigan. During this week, Michigan citizens are reminded to do their part to prevent auto theft.

For the first time since 1996, Michigan experienced an 8.2 percent increase in auto thefts in 2003, the last year for which numbers are available. Considering this, the State of Michigan will use this week to raise public awareness of auto theft and the ways consumers can help combat this problem.

The week corresponds with the 42nd Annual Midwest Motor Vehicle Theft Conference in Novi. Over 300 auto theft investigators representing 13 states and two Canadian provinces will attend the conference, hosted by the North Central Regional Chapter of the International Association of Automobile Theft.

The Michigan Automobile Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA) offers some tips to prevent your vehicle from being stolen. They include:

Lock your car – half of all vehicles stolen are left unlocked.

Park in well-lighted areas - car theft occurs at night more than half the time.

Park in attended lots – car thieves don’t like witnesses.

Don’t leave valuables in plain view – they may invite thieves to break into your car.

Completely close your windows – don’t make it easy to gain access to your car.

Don’t hide a spare set of keys in the car – the pros know where to look.

Don’t keep your registration in your glove compartment. Thieves ha ve just what they need if they steal your car. Keep it in your wallet.

For more auto theft information visit the ATPA Web site at www.michigan.gov/msp.

Read more news releases from the Michigan State Police.