Decker A. Handlir
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
In 2021, there were approximately 11,000 vehicles stolen, with only 52 percent being recovered.
Not only in Baltimore but in the entire country, car thefts have increased by more than 25 percent between 2019 and 2022. Approximately 940,000 vehicles were stolen in 2021, costing drivers more than $8 billion in damages.
“My car was broken into from outside of my apartment complex and stolen,” said Aaminah Matthews, a senior at Towson University. “The vehicle was recovered, but with a lot of damages; I had to pay out of pocket myself as my insurance didn’t cover it.”
Aaminah drives a Hyundai Elantra.
Hyundai is among the most stolen vehicles in the country as of 2023 (give a link to verify). This is because they lack an extremely important anti-theft device called an immobilizer. A part of the car sends an electric code to the engine that permits it to start once a valid key has been detected.
“It’s a national trend… the biggest issue, a large portion at least of what we’re seeing is a lot of it is coming from the Hyundai’s and Kia’s,” said Ron Snyder, Spokesperson for the Maryland State Police. “Organizations like the Maryland vehicle theft prevention council have provided grants across the state to law enforcement to distribute things like anti-theft devices such as clubs and things like that.”
The Baltimore County Police Department is taking measures to prevent the theft of vehicles, especially Hyundai’s and Kia’s. The county is hosting a one-day program on October 7th at Thompson Hyundai in Dundalk, where anti-theft software will be installed on Hyundai’s that support the software. If you don’t own a Hyundai, they will also offer residents free wheel locks.
“As a vehicle owner, I always check my car to make sure it is locked… I always lock my car three times. And I want to get a steering wheel lock,” said Katherine Sommers, a junior at Towson University.
The Maryland State Police advise all drivers to utilize an anti-theft device, to park in well-lit areas, close and lock all windows and doors, put away valuables, don’t leave your keys in your vehicle, and not leave their vehicles unattended while it is running.
These efforts can help reduce the likelihood of a vehicle being damaged or stolen.