Birmingham, Alabama (WBRC) – Compared to 2023, there has been a more than 30% increase in car theft this year. Kias, Hyundais, Dodge Chargers, and Dodge Challengers are the most common vehicles that Birmingham Police report being reported stolen.
Officer Truman Fitzgerald adds, “Our Kias and Hyundais are being stolen at an alarming rate, and that is due to security defects.”
There were 170 car thefts in February of this year compared to 129 in February of last year. Although people should use caution, Birmingham Police advise that these figures should not be taken too seriously.
Fitzgerald outlines the reasons behind the statistics that indicate an increase in car theft in the city, even though not all of the vehicles were taken.
Fitzgerald offers this example: “Let’s say I borrow your car for x days, and you tell me to bring it back Friday, but I don’t come Saturday.” “The FBI mandates that filing a report for using a vehicle without owner permission is equivalent to reporting that someone stole your car and you have no idea who stole it.”
He continues, nevertheless, that motorists should continue to pay attention, carry their keys, and always lock their doors.
Fitzgerald claims, “We’ve seen surveillance footage where someone jumps into a woman’s car and starts to pull off before she even enters the convenience store.” “It’s common for people to start and run their cars while they’re inside, only to leave them behind.”
Fitzgerald claims that the real-time crime center’s assistance has changed the game when it comes to locating stolen vehicles. However, he encourages everyone to take safety precautions right once because the vehicles are occasionally left in less-than-ideal circumstances. To prevent becoming a victim, lock your doors and take valuables out of your possession.
