Spike in Autotheft This Week; Theft Task Force Has Tips to Protect You
Working for you Alert: Lubbock police say they've seen a huge spike in theft of cars with keys left in the ignition.The latest was a car stolen just this morning that led police on a high speed chase, ending in a crash. But as KLBK's Michaela MacDonald tells us, it may get worse for that car owner because her insurance company may not cover it.
-->By: Michaela MacDonald
Updated: January 9, 2013
After the second stolen car chase this week, Lubbock Police reminding drivers NOT to leave the car running unattended.
"50% of our cars that are recovered or stolen have their keys left in the ignition, so its just an escalating problem," said Kat Anderson with the South Plains Auto Theft Task Force
Anderson says these thefts are always a problem, but this year more than usual. They normally see two cars left running stolen each year, but they've seen five in the last two weeks, the latest this morning.
"The vehicle was taken this morning when the owner of the vehicle went outside and started their car, left it running to warm up," said Sgt. Robert Hook with LPD Accident Investigation.This is a second time in a week that a stolen vehicle has led police on a high speed case, this one ended with a collision at 48th and Knoxville. 22-year-old Cody McCarty is now facing charges related to the chase.
Hook says it is a finable offense to leave your car running when you aren't around.
"We want to remind everybody that it is a violation of the law to leave your vehicle running unattended," said Hook.
Not only can you face a fine, you may be stuck with the bill if your car is stolen.
"Your insurance companies are starting to look at incidents like this as a victims assisted crime and if they can prove that your keys were left in the vehicle they may not pay your claim," said Anderson.
The South Plains Auto Theft task force has put together a list of tips to keep your car safe: never leave your car running, even for a minute, never hide a second key in your car and do not leave your registration, title or, insurance card in the car.
"If you think about every time that they have to pay a claim on a stolen vehicle your insurance rates go up. Because they have to recoup their losses, so it affects all of us," said Anderson.
