In 2010, an estimated 737,142 motor vehicles were reported stolen, which is the seventh consecutive annual decrease. Overall in the United States, motor vehicle theft was down by 7.4 percent from 2009, 38.5 percent from 2006, and 40 percent from 2001 according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Uniform Crime Reports.

The FBI reports that in 2010 auto thefts cost more than $4.5 billion nationwide.

According to the FBI, every 40 seconds a vehicle is stolen in the United States.

If your auto is not on the top ten stolen vehicle list, be thankful.  However, choosing to ignore simple safety measures could open an invitation to theft.  Here are a few guidelines to keep your vehicle safe:

• Remove the keys from the ignition
• Close the car windows
• Lock the car doors
• Park in a well lit area
• Remove the garage door opener from the car--there is no better way to welcome thieves into your home.
• Purchase and use anti-theft devices to protect your automobile. Save money by checking with your insurance company to see if they offer a discount on your automobile insurance policy for a vehicle that is equipped with an anti-theft device.

For more information on keeping your vehicle safe visit http://www.nicb.org.