Minnesotans are being asked to take a simple – but critically important – step to help prevent auto theft. “Take Your Keys ALWAYS” is the message for a statewide auto theft prevention campaign by the Minnesota Department of Commerce Fraud Bureau that launched this week.

The campaign is intended to help put a dent in the recent surge in auto thefts. More than 16,000 cars were stolen in Minnesota in 2022, representing over $200 million in losses to victims.

“This campaign has been developed through the Commerce Fraud Bureau’s collaboration with local law enforcement to tackle auto theft,” said Commerce Assistant Commissioner of Enforcement Jacqueline Olson. “With this campaign, we’re asking car owners and drivers to join with us and take action to help prevent auto thefts.”

The campaign is being implemented across TV, radio, gas stations, social media and other locations to encourage Minnesotans to take action to prevent these thefts.

See the campaign:  Take Your Keys ALWAYS – mn.gov/StopAutoTheft 

According to law enforcement, the majority of auto thefts involve vehicles with the keys being left inside by the drivers, including cars left running and unoccupied. Moreover, statistics show auto thefts can happen any time of day, in any location, no matter what kind of car you drive or where you park it. Your car is at risk of being stolen especially when you leave the keys inside.

Even if your own car isn’t stolen, you are impacted.  Increased auto thefts contribute to rising premiums for your auto insurance policies.

For victims, auto insurance may not fully cover all the associated costs of your stolen vehicle. Comprehensive auto insurance policies cover auto thefts, but collision-only (or strict liability) auto insurance policies do not. Moreover, if your car is stolen and later recovered, you may face significant costs for towing, impound lot costs, and repair charges.  Auto insurance may also limit additional associated costs, such as car rentals.  

For more info about auto insurance, the Minnesota Department of Commerce Insurance Division offers consumers information and options to file complaints:  mn.gov/commerce/insurance/auto.

Get updates and news from the Minnesota Department of Commerce by following Commerce at mn.gov/commerce or @MNCommerce on social media.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Mo Schriner, Communications Director
Minnesota Department of Commerce
mo.schriner@state.mn.us &