BALTIMORE, MD—As National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month kicks off in July, Maryland State Police and the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council (MVTPC) are urging motorists to take proactive measures to protect their vehicles from a surge in thefts typically seen during summer.
According to the MVTPC, a vehicle is stolen every 22 minutes in Maryland. A staggering 60% of these thefts involve unlocked vehicles, and in half of the cases, keys or fobs were left inside. Most incidents occur at night, and 95% of stolen vehicles lacked any anti-theft device. Nationally, a vehicle is stolen every 37 seconds, with over 850,000 thefts in 2024 resulting in more than $8 billion in losses, federal data shows.
The MVTPC, established by the Maryland General Assembly in 1994, continues its partnership with law enforcement and community organizations across the state to combat vehicle theft and related crimes through public awareness campaigns. The council’s efforts have contributed to a nearly 37% reduction in vehicle thefts statewide.
For Fiscal Year 2026, the MVTPC has allocated $2.4 million in grants to support enforcement, outreach, and education initiatives. This funding includes support for programs such as its annual Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest, which encourages Maryland college and university students to create impactful messages on vehicle theft awareness and prevention.
To help prevent vehicle theft, authorities recommend the following tips:
- Always take your keys or fob with you; never leave them in or on your vehicle.
- Close and lock all windows and doors when parked.
- Park in well-lit areas and remove all valuables, especially visible electronics and bags.
- Never leave your vehicle running unattended.
- Use anti-theft devices, such as steering wheel locks, brake pedal locks, and OBD port locks.
