The biggest markets for stolen cars remains chop shops. Thieves remove the cars parts here. Car owners can limit profits by going to only responsible auto repair shops to get work done. Unscrupulous repair shops may charge similar prices for parts but buy them for 70 to 80% less on the black market.
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In the US, a car is stolen every 25.5 seconds. What's more shocking is the fact that car thefts can increase your insurance rates by up to 7%! However, both thefts and rising insurance rates can be brought down by purchasing car anti-theft devices that alert you and the thieves.
Seattle police showed a 21.3% decline in car thefts in 2006. Previously, car thieves without long criminal records were charged with felonies, but sentencing guidelines called for up to 60 days in jail. However, under the pilot program, the sentence time was increased and thus thefts were brought down.
Prevent car thefts by taking care to do the following: Never leave the keys in the car or ignition, never leave valuables inside, always park in busy well-lighted areas, carry your registration and insurance card with you, and never leave your car running unattended.
Motor vehicle theft or grand theft auto is a criminal act of offence. It is a punishable act. It could refer to the stealing of automobiles, buses, motorcycles, snowmobiles, trucks, trailers or any other motorized vehicle.
