Auto theft by the numbers for 2020:

• Over 600 vehicles were stolen because a key was left in the vehicle (center console, under floor mat, hide-a-key, etc.)
• Over 200 additional vehicles were stolen because they were left running and unattended.

Utah 2020 most stolen cars, as reported by NICB:

Data found on NCIB.

• DO lock your doors and roll up your windows when you park.
• DO activate your security system.
• DO consider window tinting as allowed by law.
• DO use a steering lock or another device to visibly disable the steering column.
• DO park in a well-lighted space.
• DON’T use the console or glove box as a mobile lockbox — car prowlers report they will pry into locked boxes.
• DON’T leave a running car unattended. This creates opportunity for criminals.
• DON’T leave your key in the ignition just because you have remote access.
• DON’T leave cell phones, cell phone chargers, purses and other indicators of valuables in plain sight. It provides incentive to criminals.
• DON’T leave your car title in the car.

Victims of auto theft should follow the steps below to assist Auto Theft Detectives in their investigation, as well as to avoid being victimized again should any personal information in the vehicle be compromised by the perpetrator.

1. The registered owned must be the individual filing the report of a stolen vehicle in order for it to be placed on the National Crime Information Center database.
2. Provide detectives with accurate information about the make, model and distinguishing characteristics of the stolen vehicle.
3. Provide detectives a record of all items inside the car, including serial numbers. That information will be cross checked against a database of items at local pawn shops. With a serial number, the ability to recover your stolen items is greatly enhanced.
4. If your cell phone, banking documents (credit cards, bills, etc.) or insurance information were in the vehicle, contact all providers to alert them to the situation and take appropriate actions to secure your accounts.
5. Consider contacting a consumer credit reporting company and using its services to monitor your accounts for suspicious activity. There may be a fee for these services. Alert law enforcement if anything suspicious is reported to you by these agencies.
6. Make sure you’ve given all available contact numbers to the officer taking your report. If your vehicle is located, you will have a limited time to respond to the scene before it is sent to the impound lot. Impound and storage fees are the responsibility of the owner.
7. The registered owned must be the individual filing the report of a stolen vehicle in order for it to be placed on the National Crime Information Center database.
8. Provide detectives with accurate information about the make, model and distinguishing characteristics of the stolen vehicle.
9. Provide detectives a record of all items inside the car, including serial numbers. That information will be cross checked against a database of items at local pawn shops. With a serial number, the ability to recover your stolen items is greatly enhanced.
10. If your cell phone, banking documents (credit cards, bills, etc.) or insurance information were in the vehicle, contact all providers to alert them to the situation and take appropriate actions to secure your accounts.
11. The registered owned must be the individual filing the report of a stolen vehicle in order for it to be placed on the National Crime Information Center database.
12. Provide detectives with accurate information about the make, model and distinguishing characteristics of the stolen vehicle.
13. Provide detectives a record of all items inside the car, including serial numbers. That information will be cross checked against a database of items at local pawn shops. With a serial number, the ability to recover your stolen items is greatly enhanced.
14. If your cell phone, banking documents (credit cards, bills, etc.) or insurance information were in the vehicle, contact all providers to alert them to the situation and take appropriate actions to secure your accounts.
15. Consider contacting a consumer credit reporting company and using its services to monitor your accounts for suspicious activity. There may be a fee for these services. Alert law enforcement if anything suspicious is reported to you by these agencies.
16. Make sure you’ve given all available contact numbers to the officer taking your report. If your vehicle is located, you will have a limited time to respond to the scene before it is sent to the impound lot. Impound and storage fees are the responsibility of the owner.