Birmingham Police are urging motorists to take precautions as the number of car thefts surpasses 1,300 this year

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) — Anyone can become a victim of car theft. More than 1,300 vehicles have been stolen in the city of Birmingham so far this year.

Birmingham Police are urging motorists to take action to reduce car thefts.

In the video, Information Commissioner Truman Fitzgerald said: “Over 1 million cars were stolen nationwide in 2023. Birmingham is no stranger to this national trend.”

According to the Birmingham Police Department, as of December 5, 2024, 1,355 vehicles have been stolen this year. (It is important to note that this data may not be entirely accurate due to the network disruption in the city earlier this year.)

This stolen vehicle data shows the following:

• Hyundai: 152
• Kia: 111
• Other makes/models: 935
• Unknown: 156

Last week, ABC 33/40 captured video after officers pursued a suspect who was reportedly driving a stolen vehicle. The vehicle towed was a Kia.

SEE RELATED: Suspect in custody after manhunt in Birmingham following police pursuit

Although the year isn’t over yet, Kia and Hyundai thefts in Birmingham are down compared to last year.

In September 2023, police distributed free steering wheel locks to crack down on these thefts. At the time of this report, data showed that 123 Kia vehicles and 236 Hyundai vehicles were stolen in Birmingham.

SEE RELATED: Birmingham combats car thefts with free steering wheel locks on some vehicles

This data shows a drastic increase from last year, when there were fewer than 100 total in 2022:

• Hyundai thefts: 45
• Kia thefts: 31

“This has never happened to me before, but I always make sure I have my car keys with me when I get out of the car. “I make sure it’s locked, tap it twice 1,2,3 and make sure I hear the alarm turned off to prevent it from being stolen,” said Ryan Prevo of Birmingham.

Some people living in Birmingham said they were taking extra measures to prevent their car from being stolen.

“I try to park under street lights or in areas where there may be security cameras. It makes me feel a little better knowing that if it does happen, there’s a chance someone will catch it,” Cam Alexander said. “Definitely lock it, big deal, tinting the windows also helps a lot with privacy and the steering wheel locks are helpful too.”

Prevo said he also uses technology.

“When I park somewhere, I make sure I check my surroundings and want to put certain devices like a car fob on my car to make sure that in the event of a theft, I will be notified if someone tries to do that,” he explains .

Birmingham Police are recommending air markings in vehicles. Fitzgerald mentioned on social media that officers recently had great success tracking down a stolen car because it had an Apple Air tag attached.

The agency also recommends taking valuables with you, especially weapons, and cautions that if you leave your car running, someone could be watching you.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, Kia and Hyundai vehicles recorded the highest theft rates in 2023.

SEE RELATED: Software upgrades for Hyundai and Kia vehicles cut theft rates by more than half

Earlier this year, the Highway Loss Data Institute reported that the software fix appears to be working for both manufacturers. Theft rates in vehicles with updated security were lower.