Auto Thefts

As I searched journals and websites for material on the research involving auto thefts, I found very few articles. In fact, according to one author, motor vehicle thefts are the number one under-researched part one crime (Jeffrey Walsh, 2007). In this same article studies indicate auto thefts are linked to community structure, instability and surrounding crime (Jeffrey Walsh, 2007). The author theorizes the reason for the lack of research is the crime itself creates little effect on most victims. That said, stability of a neighborhood has an affect on auto theft incidents. The more unstable the neighborhood, the more likely crime will occur which includes auto theft. The studies also found new anti-theft improvement on vehicles did not decrease …show more content…
In fact in 2016, 21% of our auto thefts involve a Honda. An interesting point by the authors is that key thefts have become popular because of the target hardening strategies by the manufactures. Also, thieves who use keys are less likely to draw attention while driving the stolen car. In the past some of the common campaigns to educate car owners such as “lock your car” are largely unsuccessful because the thieves are more diligent in locating keys. That said, some of the “chance discovery” thefts may be affected by crime prevention tips to secure your vehicle by locking the doors and removing the key. Researchers believe opportunity makes the thief. Therefore to reduce auto theft the emphasis should continue to be focused on reducing the opportunity. The key to a successful campaign is to understand how the cars are being …show more content…
Studies indicate poverty, community structure, instability of the neighborhood, surrounding crime, population density, mixed land use, cohesion and trust all affect crime probability. The presence of police or guardians only affects crime when there is a high concentration of motivated offenders. It is apparent from the research the issues of crime, particularly auto theft, are motivated by opportunity and community structure. Police, through education, may influence opportunity but additional resources and organizations are necessary to affect community structure. We cannot ignore, despite the challenges and limited affect, efforts by police to reduce auto theft. Education through fliers, posters, neighborhood meetings, voluntary contacts, with a dose of enforcement in the area and identification of gang members, and other career criminals who live in the area are all tactics we can use to affect crime. Further partnerships with neighborhood stabilization projects may be prove to be the most effective. Only time will