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CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) is partnering with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to observe National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month this July. State officials are calling attention to the growing nationwide issue of vehicle theft and urging West Virginia vehicle owners to take proactive steps to secure their property.
Vehicle theft is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the United States, stripping millions of owners of their security and mobility. Beyond the financial loss, individuals who steal vehicles are significantly less likely to obey traffic laws, increasing the risk of crashes and injuries for pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists.
National data from 2025 shows that 659,880 vehicles were stolen — a 23% decrease from the previous year. However, theft remains a persistent threat, with estimates indicating that one vehicle is stolen every 48 seconds across the country.
In West Virginia, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported nearly 400 vehicle thefts in 2024. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 remained a primary target for theft within the state, accounting for 39 of those reported thefts.
Because vehicle thefts typically peak during the summer months, the GHSP and NHTSA recommend that drivers follow these essential safety tips to protect their vehicles and valuables:
- Park in well-lit areas whenever possible.
- Ensure all windows are closed and doors are locked when parked.
- Keep valuables out of sight or remove them from the vehicle.
- Never leave keys or fobs inside the vehicle.
- Never leave a vehicle running unattended.
Consider purchasing extra layers of protection for a vehicle if the vehicle’s manufacturer does not provide an anti-theft system. These can easily be purchased online or in a store.
For more information on motor vehicle theft prevention and additional resources, visit nhtsa.gov/road-safety/vehicle-theft-prevention or NICB.org.
For more information on the GHSP, visit highwaysafety.wv.gov or call 304-926-2509.
