Ohio among top 5 in U.S. when it comes to this type of vehicle theft

There is an average of 209 vehicles stolen this way across the U.S. every day, according to the NICB.

The study shows these types of vehicle thefts are up 88 percent in the U.S. from 2013 through 2018.

Ohio trails California, Florida and Texas for vehicles stolen with keys or fobs left inside.

People in a hurry might explain some of why these types of thefts are occurring more, Beavercreek resident Annie Milliron told News Center 7’s Rachel Murray.

Dayton police Maj. Joe Wiesman said vehicles left unattended while the drivers are warming or cooling them is another reason for the thefts.

NICB CEO Joseph Wehrle said anti-theft technology led to a decrease in such thefts from the records set in the 1990s. But, he warns, “if you leave your car unlocked and if you leave your keys or fob inside it, that human error makes the technology worthless.”

The true number of vehicles stolen with keys or fobs still inside may be higher because many drivers will not admit to leaving keys or fobs behind, NICB officials said.

Follow News Center 7 consumer reporter Rachel Murray via Facebook and Twitter @RMurrayWHIO.