Buffalo, NY (WBEN) The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is warning you to keep your doors locked and not leave the keys in the ignition while keeping it running as more car thefts are being reported across the state.
Assistant DMV Commissioner Lisa Koumjian says car thefts have gone up 90 percent in both Erie and Niagara Counties, 81 percent across all of WNY in the past year. "We're seeing an alarming increase," says Koumjian.
Koumjian says there is the traditional problem of leaving the keys in the car. "We've all done it. We're getting ready to leave, you run back into the house, you leave the car running, and next thing you know, it's gone," says Koumjian.
She says there's a 21st century version of the problem: leaving the key fob in the car. "The problem is because they're not holding it or thinking about it, some people leave the fob in the car, it doesn't lock the vehicle. That's all a thief needs to break into your car and off they go," she explains. Leaving valuables in your vehicle also make your car a target for thieves.
If your vehicle is stolen, Koumjian says don't just call police. "Police will enter the stolen vehicle information into a national database, and that the theft will be noted on your title record. That helps prevent someone from applying for a title or selling it," explains Koumjian. "You'll get a stolen vehicle report (from your insurance provider) and a statement of stolen or confiscated item from police, and you send it to the DMV. That avoids an insurance lapse, and you're not responsible for paying for a vehicle you can't use."
Koumjian believes weather is a key region for the increase in car thefts. "It's certainly nicer out so people are out and about more often. People might let their guard down a little more. It's hard to pinpoint why, but June, July and August are the most popular months for car thefts," notes Kourmjian.
