Texas Auto Theft Numbers Climb in 2007

'07 Sees Spike in Un-Recovered Trucks and SUVs

IRVING, Texas, Jan. 24 -- The number of Allstate insured vehicles in Texas that were stolen and never found, jumped 11 percent from 2006 to 2007. Texas' second largest auto insurer says a large portion of these un-recovered vehicles were SUVs and trucks -- sending a message to drivers of these popular Texas vehicles that where and how you park your car can be as important as remembering to lock the doors.

"The majority of stolen full-size trucks and SUVs are taken into Mexico and used to transport narcotics and human smuggling. After that, these vehicles are stripped, used for parts or sold to unsuspecting buyers in Mexico and the U.S.," said Officer Steve Plummer with the El Paso County Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Taskforce. "The size, carrying capacity, off- road capability, monetary value and availability of large trucks and SUVs will continue to make these vehicles prime targets for thieves".

According to Allstate Insurance Company, there was a 22 percent spike in un-recovered SUVs and a 17 percent increase in un-recovered trucks last year in the Lone Star State. Ford F-250 and 350 pick-ups are the most common type of un-recovered truck or SUV. The Acura Integra was the most common type of un-recovered, non-truck luxury vehicle.

The overall number of stolen Allstate-insured vehicles, both recovered and un-recovered in Texas, increased 1.2 percent from 2006 to 2007 with 4,188 auto theft claims filed statewide last year -- costing more than $34 million.

"Texas has the second highest auto theft rate in the country," said Dena Kudlac, a Dallas Ft. Worth area Allstate Insurance Company Exclusive Agent. "Auto theft is one of the most expensive crimes Texans face annually; representing millions of dollars for consumers."

It can take a thief less than 10 seconds to break into a car. A team of skilled "strippers" using no power-tools can tear apart a car or truck in just six minutes, leaving an empty shell on blocks.

The auto safety experts at Allstate have six tips to not tempt thieves...

Choose your spot carefully:
Park in a populated, well-lit area where you are able to periodically check on the vehicle.

Don't tempt thieves:

Put all valuables in your trunk out of plain sight. If you have an expensive car stereo, make sure you are able to detach the stereo face and bring it with you.

Remember to lock-up:

The cheapest form of defense is common sense: Lock your car, roll up your windows and take your keys.

Get Visible:

A steering wheel lock that fits across the wheel or an alarm system visible through the windshield suggests "this one is going to take to take longer" and a thief will look elsewhere.

Go high-tech:

"Kill" switches, fuel cut-offs, and smart keys are extremely effective. If your car won't start, it won't get stolen. On the higher end of high-tech, tracking devices can alert you-and law enforcement-the moment an unauthorized user moves your vehicle.

Protect your parts:

More than 75,000 air bags are stolen every year, according to estimates by the Insurance Information Institute, costing insurers and vehicle owners more than $50 million. Steering wheel covers can help you deter theft.