Charleston Allstate Agent to Host Auto Theft Prevention Vehicle Etching Event on Aug. 26
August 21, 2009
CHARLESTON, SC – August 20, 2009 – Vehicle theft is the No. 1 property crime in the country – costing Americans about $7.6 billion each year, according to the Insurance Information Institute. A car is stolen in America every 26 seconds, adding up to 1.2 million vehicles each year, the III reports. Charleston Allstate Agent Kevin Shealy will host a vehicle identification number (VIN) etching event in the lot across the street from his agency to thwart auto thieves, and help raise awareness of auto theft prevention. Etching the vehicle identification number on all a car’s windows makes the vehicle a less attractive option for thieves, whose goal is to sell the parts on the black market.
WHO: Shealy and members of his staff will offer auto theft preventions tips and etch windows of consumer’s vehicles to help make them less desirable for potential car thieves, who often times looks to steal vehicles to sell off their parts. Sgt. Trevor Shelor of The City of Charleston Police Department will be on hand to discuss crime prevention tips with consumers.
WHEN : Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
WHERE: Vacant lot across the street from Kevin Shealy Allstate Agency, located at 781 St. Andrews Blvd., Charleston, S.C.
WHY : Vehicle fraud and theft results in higher insurance premiums for everyone, even those who are not direct victims.
- According to the Insurance Information Institute, roughly one-third of a typical comprehensive auto insurance premium goes to pay for auto theft claims. This amounts to $200-300 a year for every policy holder.
- Keeping money in our pockets starts by educating ourselves about what fraud and theft is and how we can protect ourselves from becoming victims.
- Many Americans believe the myth that no one would want to steal my car. In fact, thieves are most interested in common vehicles that are at least a few years old because they can easily be dismantled for parts.
- Spare parts for older cars can be harder to find, so thieves can make a lot of money by stealing and selling them.
- Often a car is worth more in pieces than as a whole – a car with a value of $3,000 can bring $5,000 when sold as individual parts.
