The Overlook at Beargrass Creek

Auto Crime Prevention Campaign Unveiled

Apr 01, 2008

A new awareness campaign has been introduced that is designed to reduce the number of auto thefts and thefts from autos. Those two offenses account for nearly 30% of Louisville Metro's crime rate.

In the first two months of this year, Louisville Metro Police responded to 360 auto thefts. There were a total of 3,327 auto thefts for all of 2007. Both of those numbers increase greatly when looking at thefts from autos. A large number of the crimes occurred when citizens failed to properly secure their vehicles or the items inside. The use of a few simple, proactive measures can easily reduce the two offenses and the number of citizens who fall victim to auto-related crimes.

In 2007, Metro Police distributed nearly 10,000 anti-theft stickers that included a warning to citizens, and criminals respectively, to secure their vehicles and the penalties for auto related thefts. Postcards with tips on preventing auto related crimes were also placed on vehicle windshields.

This year's campaign will focus on billboards reminding people to "Put Your Junk in Your Trunk." Officers throughout the department's eight divisions will also begin distributing bright green "tickets" to citizens recognizing them for their good theft-prevention habits. On the reverse side of the "ticket" will be tips on how to prevent auto thefts and thefts from auto. A specially designed cut-out in the image of a criminal will make its way to neighborhood meetings and community fairs reminding people not to become a victim of crime.

Among auto thefts, Metro Louisville had a 64% recovery rate in 2007 which is slightly higher than the national average rate of 60%. Nearly half of auto thefts occurred when the keys were left inside the vehicle or the vehicle was left running unattended. Ten months ago, the Ford F-150 topped the list as the most stolen vehicle in Louisville Metro. That title has since been overtaken by the Oldsmobile Cutlass, which now heads the list with 116 models stolen in 2007.

For more information about the Keep Louisville Safe initiative, visit www.LouisvilleKY.gov or call (502) 574-LMPD.