By Steven Bonifazi / NewsBreak Denver
(STATEWIDE) Thieves stole more cars in Colorado during the past year than ever before.
New data from the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority shows motor vehicle thefts in Colorado skyrocketed by 88% since 2017. The report shows vehicle thefts jumped 82% since 2019.
Thieves steal these vehicles most often:
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Ford F series trucks
- Honda Accord
- Honda Civic
Owner complacency makes thefts easier. In many cases, owners leave cars unlocked and sometimes leave spare keys in the vehicle. Thieves use stolen to commit additional crimes such as armed robberies, assaults, burglaries, drug use or sales, other thefts, homicides and more, according to Colorado State Patrol.
Vehicle thieves also tend to drive without caution, disregarding other motorists, pedestrians and laws. They speed, run traffic lights and cut off other vehicles, sometimes crashing and potentially harming themselves and others.
People also lose money when scammed into buying stolen vehicles. It is also common for some people to purchase stolen vehicles and lose money.
To protect yourself, the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority offers tips to help prevent fraudulent purchases including the following:
- Make sure the vehicle you are purchasing does not have current liens or additional red flag issues
- Verify the vehicle's history of titling, crashes, stolen status, etc.
- Utilize Kelly Blue Book for the true value
- Find out what forms are required for the purchase, sale, title and registration
CSP encourages Colorado motorists to help prevent motor vehicle thefts by locking their vehicles and taking the keys.
For more information about the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority, click here.
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