Vehicle thefts in Washington state are skyrocketing, here’s how to protect yourself
Law enforcement officials in Washington state want the car-owning public to know that vehicle theft has grown exponentially. Vehicle theft in Washington state went up by 99% comparing March to the same month in 2021.
Vehicle theft has increased 93% since July 2021, according to data provided by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.
The association estimates that the state is on track to see over 50,000 vehicles stolen in Washington in 2022. In 2020 Washington state reported 26,520 vehicles stolen, and in 2021, a total of 31,032.
The association links vehicle theft increases to the 2021 legislation that restricts some law enforcement tactics. One of these laws, House Bill 1310, limits the use of things like pursuing a vehicle.
“No one wants more pursuits, which are inherently dangerous, but current law has created an atmosphere of flouting the law even on simple traffic stops. This is one example of a change in atmosphere that is, and will continue to be, unacceptable and dangerous to public safety. Fleeing in a vehicle should not be a get-out-of-jail-free card,” stated Steve Strachan, Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs executive director, in the news release.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington, House Bill 1310 is not a law to “abandon people in crisis,” but to de-escalate situations where less force could be used.
“The law creates an expectation for officers to de-escalate and requires police to exercise care in the use of any force, in order to reduce violence and prioritize the sanctity of life. The law emphasizes de-escalation rather than confrontation in responding to members of the public, and includes an illustrative list of de-escalation tactics,” American Civil Liberties Union of Washington’s website states.
“Each of these alarming numbers represents a victim, and victims of auto theft too often are those who can least afford it — with older cars with fewer anti-theft systems, with less insurance coverage, and with greater impacts on their lives,” Strachan stated.
Tips to avoid car theft
Here are some tips to reduce the chance of your vehicle begin stolen from Allstate Insurance:
▪ Always lock your car doors, and close all windows.
▪ Park your car in well-lit areas, such as under a street lamp or in a lighted parking lot.
▪ Don’t leave valuables in your car, especially ones that can be easily seen through windows or your windshield.
▪ Install systems that help deter thieves, such as an audible alarm system, a vehicle immobilizer system or a tracking system. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends installing these systems especially if your vehicle does not come with one. Vehicle immobilizer systems can disable a vehicle, so even if it is hot-wired, it cannot function properly. Tracking systems can also help if your car has already been stolen as it locates the car easily.
If your vehicle is stolen
The first thing you should do if your vehicle has been stolen is to contact the police to file a police report, according to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. To file a report, you will need to know your car’s make, model, color, license plate number and vehicle identification number, as well as any other identifying characteristics such as dents or scratches.
You will need a police report or case number from the police for your insurance company.
Also, call your insurance company within 24 hours of your car being stolen to file a claim.
If you locate your stolen vehicle before the police, contact the police and your insurance company immediately.
This story was originally published April 19, 2022 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Vehicle thefts in Washington state are skyrocketing, here’s how to protect yourself."
