Car Thefts on the Rise
By: Julie Musgrave
Updated: November 13, 2008
We've seen several cases of windows being smashed and cars being stolen just in the past couple of weeks, and now with the state of our economy and the holidays quickly approaching -- Those thieves are out looking, and you need to be aware.
Just in October, there were 39 auto thefts in Lubbock, and cases of car burglaries are growing by the day.
Kat Anderson with South Plains Auto Theft Task Force says the most common reason for any theft is because of people leaving their keys in their vehicles. It can happen in any neighborhood, and to complicate matters, if it happens to you, you may not be covered.
Insurance companies now say if you leave your keys behind it's an owner assisted theft and won't pay your claim.
So be aware and maybe a little too cautious.
Kat Anderson: "Lock your doors, park in well-lighted areas, be aware of your surroundings, look around. They're on the lookout. Close your garage doors, just be very cautious and very careful."
And with a cold front coming in tonight it may be tempting to run your car and have it heated up before you get in, but leaving your car running could be an open invitation for car thieves. Anderson says it only takes 30 seconds for someone to steal your vehicle.
