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According to a recent study released by the Department of Motor Vehicles, 90 percent of stolen cars are taken in the brief seconds between unlocking and reaching the driver’s side door.
“We have found that the vast majority of car thefts occur after the unlock button beeps and before the owner’s hand touches the door handle, around the time it takes to walk 15 feet,” said study researcher Sally Feekler, adding that victims of such thefts report seeing a stranger sprint towards the car and slip into the driver’s seat within seconds of the unlock button sounding. “97 percent of victims pressed the unlock button while walking across the parking lot to their cars, unaware that such a short span of time could enable a stranger nearby to steal the vehicle.”
“Minimizing the time between unlocking and reaching the door is the most effective method for preventing the situation,” Feekler told reporters. “When you spot your car across the grocery store parking lot, wait till you’re inches away from the driver’s seat door to unlock, then immediately grip the handle. Enter your car as quickly as possible."
“If you realize you forgot to put your cart back, do not under any circumstances go to return it,” she added. “That’s a surefire recipe for disaster.”
When polled, 99 percent of car theft victims reported throwing their hands up in exasperation and letting out a good-natured sigh after watching their car speed away seconds after having pressed the unlock button.
