After reading Rep. John Lovick’s commentary on car theft, I felt compelled to respond with our story. My son had not only one, but two Acura Integras stolen from our driveway in the early morning hours of Dec. 5. His cars were both recovered a week later, along with five other cars at an abandoned house just a few miles from our home. They had been stripped and dumped. We are still awaiting our insurance company’s Special Investigation Unit to get back to us with the results of their findings. They have reason to believe it’s a car theft ring.
I agree with Rep. Lovick’s suggestions about creating tougher laws to deal with this sort of crime. I also think we need more public awareness that these crimes are so widespread. In just casual conversation regarding the thefts in our household, we’ve come across at least 10 people who’ve also had cars stolen recently. Had we been aware of what was going on in our town, we could have taken greater steps to protect our property. My son’s car did have a car alarm system but obviously they were able to get around that. My daughter’s friend had a steering wheel club on her Integra but they were able to cut through that. These are smart, professional thieves. They know what they are looking for and know how to get in and get out fast. I believe it’s an organized ring that scouts out the more popular makes and models of cars. They strip the cars of valuable parts to sell and then abandon them in out-of-the-way locations. Taking a tougher stance on car theft needs to be a top priority. We all suffer the losses: rising insurance rates, loss of security, neighbors moving to escape the crime. Everyone needs to become more alert to suspicious neighborhood activity. We can all make a difference.
Sandra Vander Elst
Marysville
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