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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (July 12, 2023)
July 12, 2023 Page 9 July is National Vehicle Theft Preventon Month Be Aware Of Ongoing Threats A Kia which was damaged after being stolen is seen at an auto repair shop in Milwaukee on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. Automakers Hyundai and Kia are offering software updates for millions of their vehicles that are missing a “key” anti-theft device, an issue that was exploited on social media and led to rampant theft of the cars. (Angela Peterson/Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel via AP In recognition of July as National Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, the Oregon Division of Financial Regu- lation, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Na- tional Highway Traffic Safety Ad- ministration (NHTSA), urges vehicle owners to be aware of the ongoing threat of vehicle theft. Vehicle theft continues to be a sig- nificant concern in the U.S., costing vehicle owners more than $8 billion in 2022 alone. Shockingly, more than 1 million vehicles were stolen in the same year, reflecting a 25 percent in- crease in vehicle theft totals compared to previous years. Of all stolen motor vehicles, passenger cars historically accounted for more than 74 percent, with an estimated occurrence of one motor vehicle theft happening every 32 seconds. In 2021, Oregon ranked fifth in the country for stolen vehicles based on the highest rate of vehicle theft per 100,000 residents, according to data provided by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). The states with Apply to Join the Community Council Portland Children’s Levy looking for volunteers PCL is recruiting volunteers with lived, professional, and volunteer ex- perience with marginalized children, youth, families and their support ser- vices for its Community Council. The Levy is looking to fill 2 seats with community members who have experience with youth with disabil- ities and/or parents of children with disabilities; experience with human services and child abuse preven- tion and intervention; families nav- igating poverty and food insecuri- ty; grant-making; and/or residents of east Portland and north Portland. Community members with lived and/ or professional experience in these areas are encouraged to apply. PCL is committed to support- ing our participants’ engagement in Council work. We offer stipends of up to $500 per year, accommodations for disabilities, interpretation, trans- the highest theft rates were Colorado, District of Columbia, California, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Mis- souri, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Texas. Theft of vehicles is covered – sub- ject to the deductible – if you have comprehensive insurance coverage. Talk to your insurance company or agent to make sure you have the cor- rect coverage for your needs. To ensure the safety of your vehi- cle, it is essential to adopt preventive measures. Always remember to: • Park in well-lit areas • Close and lock all windows and doors when parking • Conceal your valuables • Avoid leaving your keys inside your vehicle • Refrain from leaving the area while your vehicle is running • Check with your vehicle’s man- ufacturer to make sure the vehi- cle’s software is up to date While some vehicles come equipped with alarm and anti-theft systems, those without such features should consider purchasing additional layers of protection. Anti-theft systems are readily available for purchase online or in stores and can provide an extra level of security for your vehicle. Your Stories. Your Opinions. Your Community. All in one place. The Portland Observer Online www.portlandobserver.com Council members from left to right, front row: Lolita Broadous, Karina Bjork, Kamla Hurst, Amarachi Duru, Lisa Wittorff; back row: Jami K. LeBaron, Amy Ramos, Alejandra Favela, Alix Sanchez, Stephen Pham; not pictured: LaNae Williams Headline: Apply to join the Community Council lation, and meals for meetings. An informational session is avail- able 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 19. Applications are due Aug. 7. To at- tend the information session, contact the Levy’s Community Engagement Coordinator directly The by email at ra- cheal.nakhabala@portlandoregon. Portland gov or call her at 503-823-8763. The Observer deadline to register is 5 p.m. on Tues- day, July 18 to Online receive the meeting link and agenda. www.portlandobserver.com