The Madras Police Department has reported a concerning trend of vehicle thefts, with ten cars stolen from the city between October 1 and November 25, 2023. Officers managed to recover seven of these vehicles and made four arrests, while two additional vehicles were recovered by cooperating agencies. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, a vehicle is stolen approximately every 32 seconds in the United States, underscoring the importance of vehicle security. To mitigate the risk of theft, police recommend several preventive measures, including securing valuables out of sight and ensuring that doors are locked and windows closed. Car owners are also advised against leaving their vehicles unattended while warming them up, unless equipped with a high-quality remote start system.

If a vehicle is stolen, it is crucial to report it to the local non-emergency dispatch center and the insurance company as soon as possible. Police Chief Tim Plummer urged residents to make their vehicles less appealing to thieves, reinforcing that the harder criminals have to work, the more likely they are to move on. For further prevention tips, residents are encouraged to visit the Madras Police Department's website.