The Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) and State Farm have joined forces to launch the “Lock It Down!” campaign, a public education initiative aimed at reducing motor vehicle theft, burglary, and fraud. The focus is on promoting safety during the holiday season and beyond.
The campaign encourages Texans to adopt simple, yet effective, preventative measures to protect their vehicles and personal belongings. These include:
- Locking vehicle doors
- Avoiding leaving vehicles running unattended
- Parking in secure, well-lit locations
- Avoiding leaving valuables, particularly firearms, in vehicles
According to the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA), vehicle theft and burglary are significant problems in Texas. Each year, over 65,000 cars and trucks are stolen, and nearly 200,000 are burglarized within the state. Unlocked doors and keys left inside vehicles are major contributing factors.
The ‘Crime in Texas’ report showed a 10.13% increase in property crime related to motor vehicle theft between 2021 and 2022. The total value of stolen vehicles rose from $1.57 billion to $1.72 billion during the same period, reflecting the increase in the value of stolen vehicles.
“Through the Lock It Down campaign, we aim to arm the community with the knowledge and resources to protect their vehicles from theft and contribute to a safer environment for everyone,” said Rich Johnson, director of Communications and Public Affairs at ICT.
State Farm, a partner in the campaign, emphasized that small actions can make a big difference. The insurer recommends locking vehicle doors, removing keys, and parking in well-lit areas to reduce the risk of theft.
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that over 1 million vehicles were stolen in the United States in 2022, resulting in more than $8 billion in losses. Passenger cars accounted for 74% of these thefts, with popular models often targeted. Thieves also frequently target specific parts, such as catalytic converters, which can be lucrative.
