NICB: As Vehicle Thefts Decline, Thieves Target Components

While car thefts are declining across the country, the thefts of some parts and accessories are proving to be a lucrative business for professional thieves.

In the Detroit area, itÕs become a huge problem thatÕs costing consumers, insurance companies, car dealers and car rental companies.

ÒWe hear all this good news about auto theft being down in Michigan, but unfortunately, whatÕs replaced that is component theft,Ó said Terri Miller, executive director of Help Eliminate Auto Thefts (HEAT). ÒBecause itÕs harder to steal an entire vehicle these days, theyÕre stealing the parts. The tires and rims are not marked and they are very, very marketable.Ó

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