AAA Northeast is reminding drivers to take extra precautions against vehicle theft, warning that summer is one of the busiest times of year for the crime. Vehicle thefts across the U.S. dropped 23% in 2025, compared with 2024, reaching the lowest level in decades, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. It says about 659,880 vehicles were reported stolen nationwide last year, down from a record 1,020,729 thefts in 2023. Despite the decline, vehicle theft remains a widespread problem. The NICB says a vehicle is still stolen every 48 seconds in the United States. “While the significant decrease in vehicle thefts is encouraging, thousands of vehicle owners across the Northeast are still affected every year,” said Robert Sinclair, senior manager of public affairs for AAA Northeast. “Especially during the summer, taking a few simple precautions can help deter thieves from stealing your vehicle or valuables left inside.” AAA recommends drivers: Lock doors and close all windows, even when parked at home. Remove keys and valuables before leaving the vehicle. Keep key fobs away from your vehicle and store them in a metal container or signal-blocking pouch to help prevent signal-boosting thefts. Park in well-lit, visible areas or locations monitored by security cameras. Never leave a vehicle running unattended. Consider anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks, vehicle immobilizers, brake pedal locks, audible alarms or GPS trackers if your vehicle isn’t already equipped with them. AAA also says reporting a stolen vehicle within the first 24 hours can increase the likelihood of recovery by 34%, according to