Connecticut car thefts increase 42%, AAA says

Connecticut saw a 42% increase in stolen cars last year, the AAA said Tuesday.

“This is honestly an ongoing problem,” said Amy Parmenter, AAA spokeswoman for Greater Hartford. “The messaging we’re trying to put out there is not leaving your keys in the car, and locking your doors. I think it’s a false sense of security that people have about their vehicles.”

Using data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, AAA said more than 8,500 cars were stolen in 2020 — most during the pandemic — compared to almost 6,000 stolen in 2019, Parmenter said.

And there are signs the number of thefts for 2021 could be even higher: West Hartford saw more car thefts the first three months of 2021 than in the first quarter of 2020, she said.

“We’re possibly on track for an even worse year,” Parmenter said.

Police have been complaining for years about car thefts and urging residents to lock their car doors at night. Still, thefts increased, even as people stayed home in accordance with coronavirus directives.

The average claim for a stolen vehicle was about $7,000 last year, Parmenter said. But some thefts aren’t covered by insurance.

Only comprehensive insurance policies cover stolen cars, said Sonia Medina, another AAA spokeswoman. “AAA encourages vehicle owners to review their policies with their advisors to make sure they are covered.”

In the meantime, simple steps car owners can take to prevent theft include:

- Never leave your keys or fobs in the vehicle. The convenient “keyless” feature is not only convenient for the car owner, but also for the thief who can take your car with the touch of a button.

- Park your vehicle in a garage or a well-lit area. If out, try to park in an area where anyone engaged in criminal activity would be noticed.

- Keep valuables out of sight.

Christine Dempsey may be reached at cdempsey@courant.com.