National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month

Published on July 13, 2026

Person in hoodie picking car door lock

July is National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month. The Menlo Park Police Department encourages everyone to stay vigilant and use good judgment to protect their vehicles from this costly crime, which is on the rise across the nation.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 650,000 cars were stolen in 2025. That means a motor vehicle was stolen every 48 seconds!

The good news is that there are precautions drivers can take to avoid becoming a victim of vehicle burglary. Here are some easy tips for safeguarding your vehicles:

  • Park in well-lit and well-traveled areas.
  • Lock your doors and arm your alarms after parking, even in your own driveway.
  • Hide your valuables.
  • Don’t leave keys in the vehicle, even when filling up at the gas station.
  • Never leave a running vehicle unattended.

Learn more about vehicle theft prevention. If you are a victim of vehicle theft, contact the Police immediately to file a stolen-vehicle report. You can also file a report in Menlo Park online.

 

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