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July is Vehicle Theft Prevention Month: New York DMV offers tips to keep thieves away

Published on July 09, 2025

DMV NY

July is Vehicle Theft Prevention Month and the New York State DMV is providing vehicle owners with important steps to take to protect themselves from losing their vehicles, or parts of them, to thieves.

“Summer is the busiest season for vehicle thefts, so it is a good time to remind New Yorkers about the steps they can take to protect their purchase,” said New York DMV Commissioner and Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder.

Officials say there has been a significant rise in vehicle thefts in recent years. In fact, DMV recovered 188 vehicles with a total value of almost $5.6 million between January 1 and June 30 this-year alone.

Over $72,000 worth in stolen parts were also recovered and during that same time-frame in 2024, DMV recovered 120 vehicles and had recovered nearly $60,000 in stolen parts.

All told in 2024, DMV recovered 303 stolen vehicles and nearly $92,000 in stolen parts.

Here are some tips via the New York DMV on how to protect your vehicle from being stolen:

  • Never leave your key fob in the vehicle.
  • Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
  • Park in well-lit areas if possible.
  • Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they can be seen.

And here is how to be sure you don’t unintentionally buy a stolen vehicle:

  • Check the VIN before buying a used vehicle to make sure it was not flooded or stolen. The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) VINCheck is a free service to help consumers determine if a vehicle has been reported as salvaged or stolen. By entering the Vehicle Identification Number of the vehicle they are looking to buy, consumers can learn if the vehicle was ever flooded or stolen. They can search up to five VINs per day.
  • Look for odometer discrepancies.
  • Be cautious about buying a vehicle locally with out-of-state titles or a car being sold with a NY title that has out of state inspections stickers, plates or temporary paper plates.

NYS DMV image.

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