According to the FBI, car theft is a $7.5 billion business. UAB crime researcher Heith Copes, Ph.D. Copes, who studies criminal decision-making and situational crime prevention, has interviewed more than 40 car thieves because, "The best way to know what deters crime is asking offenders."
The average car thief is a working-class male between the ages of 16 and 24. Some steal for recreation. Others steal for money or revenge." Although some are highly skilled and are attracted to high-end cars, most aren't.
"So they steal cars that are easiest to get into, such as one that's left unlocked or the keys are inside. One guy stole 30 cars in which the keys were left inside."
Contact: Gail Short, Media Relations, 205-934-8931 or [email protected].
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