During Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, Governor Hochul Advises Drivers on How to Protect Themselves Against Vehicle Thefts

In First Six Months of 2026, DMV Recovered 140 Stolen Vehicles

During Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, Governor Kathy Hochul urged New Yorkers to take steps to protect their vehicles from theft. In the first six months of this year, investigators for the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recovered 140 stolen vehicles worth $4.3 million. In addition, DMV also recovered eight stolen auto parts with a value of almost $13,000.

“For most New Yorkers, their car is one of their biggest investments, and losing one to a thief can cause financial loss and hardship,” Governor Hochul said. “We have worked hard in New York to deter car theft, and we urge owners to take some simple steps to protect their own vehicles. Just as we have fought to lower the cost of car insurance, the DMV works with customers to recoup money they have lost due to stolen cars and parts.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 650,000 drivers in the US fall victim to this crime every year, with a car being stolen every 48 seconds.

Here is guidance on how to protect your vehicle from being stolen:

• When you park, close and lock all windows and doors.
• Do not leave your key fob in the vehicle.
• Park in well-lit areas if possible.
• Do not leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they are visible.

DMV also offered guidance on steps you can take to avoid unintentionally buying a stolen vehicle.

• Before making a decision to purchase a vehicle, consumers are strongly encouraged to obtain an independent vehicle inspection to examine the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) found in various locations on the vehicle, get a Vehicle History Report via the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) or other available vehicle information resources.
• The US Department of Justice’s National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) is an online system that offers accurate information about a vehicle’s title, odometer data, and certain damage history. NMVTIS was designed to protect consumers from fraud and unsafe vehicles and to keep stolen vehicles from being resold. Consumers can expect to pay up to $4 per report.
• The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) at www.nicb.org maintains a free database that includes flood damage and other information so people can investigate a car’s history by its vehicle identification number. Check the VIN before buying a used vehicle to make sure it was not stolen or flooded. By entering the Vehicle Identification Number of the vehicle they are looking to buy, consumers can learn if the vehicle was ever flooded or stolen. People can search up to five VINs per day.
• Look for odometer discrepancies.
• Be cautious about buying a vehicle locally with out-of-state titles or a car being sold with a NY title that has out of state inspection stickers, plates or temporary paper plates.
• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides several used car buying tips on their website.

In 2024, DMV warned consumers about a surge in online car sales scams and offered guidance on how to protect yourself. Extra caution should be taken when buying vehicles in online private sales.

DMV has previously warned consumers about purchasing vehicles damaged by flooding. Flood damage can affect the engine or transmission, corrode wiring, harm the airbag or impair the vehicle’s computers, damage that might not be readily visible.

Some sellers take the vehicle from a flooded area and get a new title in a different state before trying to sell it. Consumers should be aware when purchasing used vehicles with titles issued during hurricane periods, even if the title is not from a state affected by the storm.

If your vehicle is stolen, report it to the police and your auto insurance company as soon as possible. The police will enter the information into national and state auto theft computer records. The theft will be noted on your vehicle title record to help prevent someone from selling the vehicle or applying for a title.

Also ask the police to complete a 'Report of Lost or Stolen Motor Vehicle Items' form (MV-78B) for your stolen plates, which you must submit to the DMV. If only your license plates are stolen, you must still submit the MV-78B form to the DMV along with your vehicle registration.

You can find additional information on stolen and recovered vehicles and insurance lapses on stolen vehicles on the DMV website.

The DMV also offers additional tips to protect yourself when buying a vehicle.

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