Governor Kathy Hochul urges New York drivers to take simple steps to prevent vehicle theft during Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

Albany, New York – New Yorkers are being encouraged to take extra precautions to protect their vehicles this month as state officials mark Vehicle Theft Prevention Month with a renewed focus on prevention, public awareness, and consumer education.

Governor Kathy Hochul is urging drivers across the state to adopt simple habits that can reduce the risk of becoming victims of vehicle theft. The campaign comes as state investigators continue recovering stolen cars and auto parts while highlighting the financial and emotional toll these crimes can have on families.

During the first six months of this year, investigators with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles recovered 140 stolen vehicles with a combined value of approximately $4.3 million. They also recovered eight stolen auto parts worth nearly $13,000, reflecting the continued efforts of state investigators to locate stolen property and return it to its rightful owners.

“For most New Yorkers, their car is one of their biggest investments, and losing one to a thief can cause financial loss and hardship,” Governor Hochul said. “We have worked hard in New York to deter car theft, and we urge owners to take some simple steps to protect their own vehicles. Just as we have fought to lower the cost of car insurance, the DMV works with customers to recoup money they have lost due to stolen cars and parts.”

Vehicle theft remains a widespread issue well beyond New York. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 650,000 motorists across the United States become victims of vehicle theft every year. On average, a vehicle is stolen somewhere in the country every 48 seconds, underscoring how common the crime continues to be despite ongoing enforcement efforts.

State officials say those numbers show why prevention remains one of the strongest tools available to drivers. While law enforcement agencies continue investigating theft rings and recovering stolen vehicles, many thefts can be prevented through straightforward safety measures that reduce opportunities for criminals.

New York State DMV Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt emphasized both the importance of vehicles in everyday life and the role individual owners can play in protecting them.

“A car is vitally important to millions of New Yorkers, and to find your car missing is immensely stressful and costly. Our investigators work hard to recover stolen automobiles and to help set things right for victims of these crimes. You too can take steps to protect your investment in your vehicle.”

For many residents, a vehicle is far more than transportation. It is essential for commuting to work, taking children to school, attending medical appointments, and managing daily responsibilities. The loss of a vehicle often creates immediate financial burdens that extend beyond the value of the car itself, including rental expenses, missed work, insurance claims, and replacement costs.

Governor Hochul has repeatedly made vehicle theft prevention part of her broader public safety agenda while also pursuing policies designed to reduce the overall cost of owning a vehicle in New York.

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Earlier this year, the governor successfully pushed for legislative action aimed at addressing rising auto insurance costs. The effort focused on combating insurance fraud, limiting damages awarded to fraudulent actors, and ensuring consumers receive greater protection throughout the claims process.

State leaders view those measures as part of a larger strategy to make vehicle ownership more affordable while simultaneously reducing crimes that contribute to higher insurance premiums.

Officials also point to encouraging progress since the launch of the state’s Comprehensive Auto-Theft Reduction Strategy, commonly known as CARS.

Governor Hochul introduced the five-point initiative in 2023 to strengthen enforcement while improving public awareness. Among its key elements were expanded patrols by the New York State Police in areas experiencing elevated levels of vehicle theft and the creation of an online vehicle theft prevention resource that offers educational materials and practical guidance for motorists.

According to the state, those combined efforts have produced measurable results. Reported vehicle thefts across New York declined by roughly 15 percent between 2024 and 2025, suggesting that coordinated enforcement and public education can make a meaningful difference.

Officials stress, however, that continued progress depends on cooperation between law enforcement and the public.

As part of this year’s awareness campaign, the DMV and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee are using social media throughout July to share practical theft prevention advice with drivers.

The agencies plan to publish ten informational posts during Vehicle Theft Prevention Month across Facebook, Instagram, and X. The campaign is expected to generate more than 95,000 impressions while reminding residents about habits that can reduce the likelihood of vehicle theft or theft from inside parked vehicles.

The campaign encourages New Yorkers to remain alert whether parking at home, work, shopping centers, or public events.

Among the most important recommendations is making sure every vehicle is fully secured before walking away. Drivers are advised to close all windows completely and lock every door, even if they plan to leave the vehicle unattended for only a short period.

Officials also stress the importance of never leaving a key fob inside the vehicle. Modern keyless ignition systems offer convenience, but they also create opportunities for thieves if electronic keys are left within reach.

Parking in well-lit locations whenever possible is another recommendation highlighted during the campaign. Good lighting increases visibility and may discourage criminal activity.

Drivers are also reminded not to leave valuable items inside their vehicles, particularly if they are visible through the windows. Bags, electronics, wallets, and other personal belongings may attract thieves even if the vehicle itself is not the intended target.

Beyond preventing theft, the DMV is also encouraging consumers to protect themselves when purchasing used vehicles.

State officials warn that buyers should take time to verify a vehicle’s identity before completing any purchase.

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An independent inspection can help verify that the Vehicle Identification Number, commonly known as the VIN, matches in all required locations and does not show signs of tampering.

Officials also encourage consumers to obtain a vehicle history report through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System, or NMVTIS, or through other available vehicle information services.

The U.S. Department of Justice’s NMVTIS database provides information regarding a vehicle’s title history, odometer readings, and certain damage records. The system was created to help prevent fraud, reduce the resale of stolen vehicles, and provide consumers with reliable information before making a purchase.

Vehicle history reports through NMVTIS generally cost no more than four dollars, making them a relatively inexpensive safeguard against costly mistakes.

Another resource recommended by state officials is the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s VIN database.

The NICB maintains a free online service that allows consumers to check whether a vehicle has previously been reported stolen or suffered flood damage. By entering a vehicle’s identification number, prospective buyers can review available records before completing a purchase. The system allows searches of up to five VINs each day.

Officials say checking these records can help buyers avoid unknowingly purchasing vehicles with hidden histories that may later create legal or financial problems.

Consumers are also encouraged to pay close attention to odometer readings and look for inconsistencies that could indicate tampering or fraud.

State officials recommend exercising additional caution when vehicles are offered with out-of-state titles despite being sold locally. Similarly, buyers should carefully examine vehicles carrying New York titles but displaying inspection stickers, license plates, or temporary registrations issued by other states.

The Federal Trade Commission also offers guidance on purchasing used vehicles, providing consumers with additional information that may help them avoid scams and deceptive sales practices.

The DMV has repeatedly warned the public about fraudulent online vehicle sales, noting that internet marketplaces can create opportunities for criminals to misrepresent vehicles or conceal important information.

In 2024, the department alerted consumers about an increase in online vehicle sale scams and advised buyers to exercise extra caution during private online transactions.

Flood-damaged vehicles remain another area of concern.

Officials warn that flood damage is not always immediately visible but can have serious long-term consequences. Water exposure may damage engines, transmissions, electrical wiring, airbag systems, or onboard computers while leaving few obvious signs during a brief inspection.

Some dishonest sellers attempt to disguise flood histories by moving vehicles into other states and obtaining new titles before offering them for sale.

Because of that possibility, officials recommend paying close attention to vehicles carrying titles issued during periods when hurricanes or severe flooding affected other parts of the country, even if the title itself comes from a state that was not directly impacted.

State officials say careful research before purchasing a vehicle can save consumers significant expense and frustration later.

Drivers who become victims of vehicle theft are urged to act immediately.

Authorities recommend reporting the theft to local police and contacting the vehicle owner’s insurance company as soon as possible. Once reported, law enforcement agencies enter the vehicle’s information into both state and national theft databases, increasing the chances of recovery while making it more difficult for thieves to sell or retitle the vehicle.

If license plates are stolen, owners should ask police to complete a “Report of Lost or Stolen Motor Vehicle Items” form, known as MV-78B. That form must be submitted to the DMV.

Even when only the license plates are taken and the vehicle remains in the owner’s possession, the completed MV-78B form must still be filed together with the vehicle registration.

The DMV also provides information on its website regarding stolen vehicles, recovered vehicles, insurance lapses involving stolen automobiles, and additional consumer guidance related to vehicle ownership and purchases.

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James emphasized that preventing vehicle theft requires cooperation among multiple agencies.

“Motor vehicle theft is a multi-jurisdictional crime that requires a collaborative effort to avert car thefts. We, along with our law enforcement partners, are here to address this problem at its forefront with the same seriousness and dedication we give to all crimes we investigate. Through targeted enforcement and innovative resources for car owners, we can reduce the number of vehicle thefts in New York State.”

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Commissioner Rossana Rosado also encouraged residents to remain vigilant and take preventive measures whenever possible.

“Having your vehicle stolen is costly, stressful, and disruptive. Staying alert and taking preventive measures make a real difference in reducing these crimes. I want to thank our law enforcement partners across New York State who continue to work tirelessly to recover stolen vehicles and hold those responsible accountable.”

As Vehicle Theft Prevention Month continues, state leaders hope that increased public awareness, continued enforcement efforts, and simple everyday precautions will further reduce thefts while helping New Yorkers better protect one of their most valuable possessions.