Vehicle Theft Prevention Measures Issued In Lower Bucks Co.

LOWER BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The Bucks County District Attorney's Office is urging residents to protect their vehicles as thefts continue to rise.

Authorities said that the thefts disrupt everyday lives as residents rely on vehicles to get to work, take children to school, attend medical appointments, and run errands.

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Victims often face insurance deductibles, rental car expenses, missed work, and countless hours dealing with paperwork and recovery efforts, authorities said.

According to the Pennsylvania Auto Theft Prevention Authority, nearly half of stolen vehicles in the state were left unlocked by their owners.

"People often think vehicle theft only affects the person whose car was taken," said Steve Wheeler, executive director of the Pennsylvania Auto Theft Prevention Authority. "But auto theft affects entire communities through higher insurance costs, increased law enforcement resources, and the use of stolen vehicles in other crimes."

Authorities are offering tips for people to prevent the theft of their vehicles:

• Locking your vehicle and taking your keys every time you park.
• Removing or hiding valuables from plain sight.
• Parking in well-lit, highly visible locations whenever possible.
• Never leaving a vehicle running and unattended.
• Reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement.