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Community Corner

Christmas Day – May be the Safest Day of the Year for Your Vehicle

It appears even car thieves are of good cheer on Christmas Day as it traditionally records the fewest car thefts of the year. However, crooks make up for lost time over New Years’ Eve and New Years’ Day, so the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America urges you to take extra precautions.

According to data from the Des Plaines based National Insurance Crime Bureau over the past three years vehicle thefts plunge to the lowest total of the year on Christmas Day, even showing a 28 percent decrease from Christmas Eve. But oh what a difference a few days make. As compared to Christmas Day, theft rates dramatically rise nearly 47 percent for New Years’ Eve and 66 percent on New Years’ Day. Of all the holidays, New Year’s Day is generally the most active for vehicle thefts reported across the country.

The holidays ranked by number of thefts reported to the NICB in 2012 were:

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1. New Year’s Day (2,228)

2. Labor Day (2,158)

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3. New Year’s Eve (2,152)

4. Memorial Day (2,078)

5. Halloween (2,053)

6. Christmas Eve (2,034)

7. Independence Day (1,955)

8. President’s Day (1,925)

9. Thanksgiving (1,656)

10. Valentine’s Day (1,654)

11. Christmas Day (1,432)

Thieves often use the hustle and bustle of the season as an opportunity to steal vehicles. So be sure to park in well-lit areas, lock your vehicle, engage your alarm system if you have one and keep shopping bags, cell phones, purses and other personal property out of sight. It’s always a good idea to protect yourself and be extra vigilant so you’re not a target. If your vehicle is stolen, report the theft to the police immediately and contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible.

Also anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 800-TEL-NICB (800-835-6422), texting keyword “fraud” to TIP411 (847411).

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