The surge in vehicle theft rates across the U.S. and Canada has reached alarming levels. It poses a significant threat to individuals, communities, and the economy. Recent reports from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and Canadian insurers paint a grim picture of the situation.
The growing number of auto thefts can be attributed to several factors. One is the evolving tactics employed by criminals who have become adept at swiftly stealing vehicles without detection. The motivation behind this wave lies in the increased value of used and luxury cars compared to previous years. Also, there is a concerning trend where some stolen vehicles undergo re-tagging and end up being resold through used car lots.
Another contributing factor to the rise in auto theft is the dismantling of stolen vehicles for parts. Criminals take apart stolen cars to sell the different components, such as airbags and rims.
One bit of good news is there has been a decline in catalytic converter thefts, and this can be attributed to the shift in the market dynamics of the metals found in catalytic converters as well as process changes in many scrap yards. Many states have mandated proof of ownership for catalytic converters.
By understanding the scope of the problem and implementing proactive measures, businesses can collectively work towards securing everyone’s wheels and halting the auto theft crisis.
The Escalating Auto Theft Crisis: A Statistical Overview
The NICB’s latest report reveals a concerning trend in the United States, with nearly 500,000 vehicles stolen nationwide in the first half of 2023. This marks an increase of over 2% from the same period in 2022, which had already set a record with 1,037,401 thefts reported.
The situation is no better in Canada. The Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and Équité Association have issued a report on auto theft being a national crisis. They indicate Canada experienced almost 35,000 vehicles being stolen in the first half of 2023. This is a 34% increase year-over-year for the same timeframe. Moreover, private insurance companies in Canada experienced $1.2 billion in theft claim costs.
In the U.S., states like Illinois experienced a staggering 38% increase in vehicle thefts during the first six months of 2023. Other states, including New York (20%) and Ohio (15%), also witnessed significant rises. California led the nation with 99,769 thefts in the first half of the year.
In Canada, Ontario and Quebec saw their auto theft go up 48% year-over-year and 50% year-over-year respectively. These numbers highlight the urgent need for action.
The Impact of Auto Theft
Auto theft disrupts the lives of individuals and businesses. It also places a burden on law enforcement and has wider societal implications. The proceeds from stolen vehicles fund criminal activities, including the trafficking of guns and drugs. Carjackings are on the rise, causing significant concern among drivers about their safety.
The economic consequences of auto theft extend beyond individual losses. The surge in theft claims raises insurance costs for everyone, creating a ripple effect throughout the economy. The need for increased law enforcement resources further strains public budgets, diverting funds from other essential services.
Proactive Auto Theft Measures: A Multi-Stakeholder Approach
Addressing the auto theft crisis requires a coordinated effort from various stakeholders, each having a role in the fight against this growing epidemic.
Auto manufacturers
Auto manufacturers play an important role in enhancing anti-theft technologies. Upgrading security features in vehicles using the latest technology is essential to stay ahead of criminal tactics. Collaborative efforts between manufacturers and law enforcement can lead to innovations that significantly reduce the vulnerability of vehicles to theft.
Insurance companies
Insurers can incentivize the installation of after-market tracking devices. This improves the recovery rate of stolen vehicles and reduces costs to the system. Educating consumers on preventative measures is equally important. Insurance companies can collaborate with law enforcement to share data and insights, boosting the overall effectiveness of anti-theft strategies.
Governments
State and provincial governments must allocate more resources to support coordinated enforcement efforts. Initiatives like creating dedicated auto-theft teams can serve as a model for other provinces and states. Legislative measures, such as stricter penalties for auto theft, can act as deterrents and contribute to the overall reduction in theft rates.
The federal government’s responsibility is vital, especially in Canada, where many stolen cars are destined for export. Empowering agencies like the Canada Border Services Agency and enhancing data-sharing between public and private sectors are essential steps.
The federal government should also contemplate enacting comprehensive legislation that addresses the complexities of modern auto theft. This should provide a framework for effective collaboration between federal, state or provincial, and local authorities.
Law enforcement
Improved communication and intelligence-sharing among police agencies can increase the chances of recovering stolen cars before they cross borders or exit ports. Investing in training programs for law enforcement officers to address evolving theft tactics and technologies is crucial. Additionally, community engagement initiatives can foster collaboration between law enforcement and the public, creating a united front against auto theft.
Stopping the soaring auto theft crisis requires all these stakeholders to do their part. Businesses, however, must focus on implementing a multilayered security solution to help deter auto theft. Such a solution involves multiple security best practices, such as lighting, fencing, access control, and more. The right layers depend on the business. There’s one that works for all of them and that’s remote video surveillance.
Video Surveillance with Monitoring: An Auto Theft Deterrent with Other Benefits
In the fight against auto theft, technology can close a lot of security gaps. This is especially the case when the technology is video surveillance with remote monitoring.
How Video Surveillance Is Proactive
As a proactive security solution, video surveillance combines the best of two worlds in monitoring: tech and humans. Additionally, remote video surveillance that includes video analytics and trained monitoring operators provides multiple layers and benefits.
Trained monitoring operators remotely monitor surveillance cameras in real time. They can help identify suspicious activities and quickly intervene by taking the needed actions.
Advanced video analytics watches for patterns and anomalies. It facilitates proactive response to potential threats. This technology augments the effectiveness of human monitoring by automating the monitoring process. It turns video analytics into a dynamic and adaptive solution.
The implementation of security cameras needs to involve posting cameras in strategic locations around the business. Strategic placement of cameras in parking lots, residential areas, and high-traffic locations can create a comprehensive surveillance network, enhancing overall security.
You want those cameras to be seen because their visibility acts as a deterrent that discourages some thieves. It’s not enough to simply have video cameras. Everyone needs to know the area is under surveillance. It helps reduce the likelihood of some criminal activity.
Unfortunately, this won’t deter everyone because there are more and more brazen thieves. Nothing scares them. They’ve stolen vehicles right in front of innocent bystanders. This is why monitoring by humans and video analytics is an imperative part of the video surveillance equation. Together, they can respond faster and take the right actions.
Why Monitoring Matters
There are many possibilities of how to handle any given situation. Humans can miss something simply because monitoring for hours is tough. That’s why video analytics is a perfect complement. It has the power to automatically scan for thousands of scenarios.
Whenever video analytics finds a match, it can alert the monitoring operator. If the security professional sees something suspicious, then they can act. They can activate an audio warning to alert the suspects, as well as call local authorities.
When police agencies receive a call from ECAM, they know we are watching crimes in progress. Real-time communication between surveillance operators and law enforcement officers helps ensure a coordinated approach to address auto theft.
Furthermore, video surveillance with remote monitoring provides other benefits besides helping deter crime and capturing it in video recordings. Companies can use clips of recordings in their training. Managers use high-level camera views for business improvement opportunities. Monitoring operators can also report potential hazards that could be a liability if the company does not address them. This helps deter expensive liability lawsuits.
The auto theft crisis demands a comprehensive and multifaceted approach that addresses its root causes, applies advanced technologies, and fosters collaboration among stakeholders at local, national, and international levels. The combination of proactive video surveillance and stakeholder involvement can provide a robust framework to help combat the soaring rates of auto theft.
By implementing these strategies, everyone can do their part to secure vehicles, protect communities, and send a clear message that auto theft will not be tolerated. It’s time for a united and determined effort to put an end to this growing epidemic and help ensure the safety and well-being of individuals and properties.
To learn more about video surveillance with remote monitoring, check out this guide on Security Systems 101. Please feel free to contact us with your questions.
