Mar 22, 2007 11:56 pm US/Mountain
Thieves Target Insurance Cards In Glove Boxes
Auto Registration, Insurance Cards Can Be Used In Identity Theft
DENVER (CBS4) ―
Thieves breaking into cars is not a new problem, but there's been a recent rash of break-ins in Denver. The thieves are targeting documents in cars that contain personal information. That information could be used to steal their identities.
Most people don't think twice about just throwing their registration and insurance cards into their glove box. They usually forget about it unless they are pulled over by police. But that can leave drivers open to identity theft.
Jared Jamison found out the hard way when he got in his car after work last Thursday and noticed that his glove compartment was wide open. He said everything was taken.
"I never really thought of that information being valuable," Jamison said.
Everything with personal information on it including his title, registration and insurance card were gone. Meanwhile, a box of tools, an expensive drill and a brand new coffee maker in the back of his Subaru sat untouched.
Reports like Jamison's are pouring into the Denver Police Department.
Lynn Kimbrough, spokesperson for the Denver District Attorney's office said car registrations and insurance papers are often used for identity theft.
"It's not a good idea to leave any kind of personal information in a vehicle," Kimbrough said. "We recommend that you not leave those documents in your glove box, that you carry them with you in your wallet or somewhere on your person."
It's something Jared Jamison never knew he could do.
"I always just thought that you had to keep your registration in your glove compartment," Jamison said. "You know, when you're pulled over you have to show those things."
Now someone, somewhere, knows a lot about Jamison, and he knows nothing about them.
"I don't like it. That's why I reported it," Jamison said. "I mean, I would have rather that they took the tools. That's something my insurance would cover."
Many victims don't even realize their documents have been stolen. If their car is broken into, and they don't see anything out of place, they assume nothing was taken. They don't think to check the glove box to see if their registration and insurance cards are still there.
Investigators also said you should not leave credit card receipts, or anything else containing personal or financial information, in your car.
If someone does steal those items, file a police report and create a fraud alert with the credit reporting agencies.
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