If this New Year's Day is like those of recent years, thieves will steal more vehicles than on any other holiday.
A recent study by the National Insurance Crime Bureau showed 2,347 vehicles were reported stolen on New Year's Day 2010, surpassing the total of any other holiday. Memorial Day came in second, with 2,122 reported vehicles stolen, and Halloween third, with 2,064.
Given the higher number of vehicle thefts, New Year's celebrants are advised to be alert and lock their vehicles. They also should not leave anything of value in their vehicles and should park them in well-lighted places.
Crime Bureau reported 20,995 vehicles reported stolen on the 11 holidays in 2010. During the same holidays in 2009, there were 22,991 stolen.
When it comes to recovering stolen vehicles, some police departments now are using cameras mounted on police cars that scan license plates as they wind through traffic and compare the numbers to those of vehicles reported stolen.
Nationwide, 57.2 percent of stolen vehicles are recovered, most within the first three days.
Law enforcement agencies across California have formed task forces aimed at reducing vehicle thefts.
If you steal a vehicle, you are committing a grand theft crime. If you or someone you know is facing grand theft charges, you need a criminal defense lawyer who can help. Ventura County Criminal Defense Attorney
Robert Helfend has over 20 years of experience and can build an aggressive defense on your behalf.
Contact his law office today for a free initial consultation.