Louisiana Insurance Commissioner James Donelon said in July that motor vehicle theft rates are on the decline in Louisiana. According to the Department of Insurance, motor vehicle theft rates declined in 2009 over 2008 by 16.8 percent in four of Louisiana's largest metropolitan areas based on 2009 preliminary data from the FBI Uniform Crime Report.
"This is good news for everyone with comprehensive auto insurance since motor vehicle theft is one of several determining factors considered by insurance companies when developing auto insurance premiums," Donelon said. "The work of the Department of Insurance Louisiana Automobile Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority is having positive results across the state."
Shreveport saw the largest drop, of more than 25 percent. In 2008, there were 859 reported auto thefts. In 2009, there were 641.
In Ouachita Parish, Maj. Jason Pleasant said there were 70 reported auto thefts between January and June 2009. Pleasant said there have been 42 so far in 2010.
West Monroe Maj. James Keys said police had no major vehicle theft problem.
"We had 33 in (all of ) 2009," Keys said. "So far, we've had 20."
While numbers for auto thefts in Monroe were not available, Det. Charles Roark did offer a reason for the drop.
"Cars are harder to steal these days," Roark said. "It's the way they're being made today."
Keys and Pleasant agreed with Roark.
"(Manufacturers) make them harder to steal," Pleasant said.
Donelon said LATIFPA has been active in educating consumers about vehicle theft and insurance fraud through a public awareness outreach campaign that began in 2007.
"This public awareness campaign and other aggressive efforts which include the mobilization of bait cars and license plate readers around the state have contributed to the recent reduction in motor vehicle theft and have raised awareness about insurance fraud, "Donelon said.
Louisiana's motor vehicle theft figures were lower in 2009 than in 2008 with 4,614 vehicles stolen in Louisiana's four major metropolitan statistical areas according to the 2009 Preliminary FBI Uniform Crime Report. A total of 5,547 vehicles were stolen in the same metropolitan statistical areas in 2008. Statewide preliminary numbers will be available from the FBI Uniform Crime Report in the upcoming months.
Donelon said other tools, together or in combination, can provide additional layers of protection from theft.
"Consider using visible and audible deterrents such as audible alarm systems, steering wheel locks and steering column collars," Donelon said. "You may also want to consider using immobilizers that stop thieves from hot wiring your vehicle such as fuel cut-off devices, kill switches or "smart keys" with computer chips that must be present to start the vehicle."
Donelon said if a thief is still successful, tracking systems that emit a signal to the police or a monitoring service when the vehicle is reported stolen can result in a faster recovery of the vehicle.
"These are only a few of the many ideas you can use to protect your vehicle," Donelon said. "Remember prevention starts with you and what vehicle theft preventing habits you practice regarding your vehicle."
Another avenue Louisiana has taken to fight insurance fraud was the creation of the Insurance Fraud Task Force in 2000, which includes representatives from the Department of Insurance, State Police Insurance Fraud and Auto Theft Unit, and the Louisiana Attorney General's Office. This task force has been working together to investigate insurance fraud reports with some resulting in arrests and prosecuting fraudulent insurance actions in the judicial system.
"Public vigilance goes a long way in combating insurance fraud," Donelon said.
The Insurance Fraud Section of the Louisiana Department of Insurance has recently expanded its online insurance fraud reporting tool by developing a more robust insurance fraud reporting form. Individuals may report suspected cases of fraud anonymously or choose to give their identity when reporting fraud.
If you believe you have been a victim of insurance fraud, or if you are aware of an instance of insurance fraud, it is important to report it. To report insurance fraud, visit the Department of Insurance Web site at www.ldi.state.la.us. Click on "Report Insurance Fraud" on the right side of the home page or call 800-259-5300 or 225-342-4956. To report vehicle theftm call Louisiana State Police at 225-925-3701.
