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by Katie Amrhein, WKRC
CINCINNATI (WKRC) – New Year's Day is one of the busiest days for car thieves, with the National Crime Insurance Bureau reporting over 2,300 cars broken into nationwide on Jan. 1 last year.
Police say most car thieves are not masterminds; they often take the easiest options, such as checking for unlocked doors.
Sgt. Carl Holbrook of Greenhills Police noted that "opportunistic thieves know this, they know that we're stretched thin and they take advantage of that." He added that the holiday distractions and parking in unfamiliar areas can make people more susceptible to vehicle thefts.
Holbrook advised keeping cars locked, parking in well-lit areas, and ensuring valuables are not left in vehicles. "If you can try to park in a well-lit area, again, make sure your vehicle is locked," he said.
Police also recommend using steering wheel locks and installing a discreet tracker for extra protection.
2026 Sinclair, Inc.
