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