The Michigan Automobile Theft Prevention Authority recently released a study looking at how the number of vehicle thefts has changed over the years. Michigan is one of the states with the highest total reports of this crime, but the number of thefts dropped 6.5 percent from 2010 to 2011. In the past 25 years, car thefts have decreased by an overwhelming 65.2 percent, which is significantly higher than the national average.
"We're always pleased to see the number of statewide vehicle thefts decline," said Terri Miller, director of Help Eliminate Auto Thefts. "However, this doesn't mean thieves aren't trying new ways to target drivers, their belongings and personal information. Thefts may be down, but fraud, carjackings and other auto theft-related crimes continue to rise..."
Also rising is the number of thefts that target newer vehicles, The Detroit News reports. Thieves tend to be professional criminals who have the skills and knowledge necessary to get around more modern security systems, so drivers need to be more aware of how they protect their cars and perhaps even take their ride to an auto repair franchise to have security systems installed or checked.