The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents to take simple precautions to protect their vehicles during Vehicle Theft Prevention Month this July.
Vehicle theft continues to impact communities across the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2025, more than 659,880 vehicles were reported stolen nationwide, averaging approximately one stolen vehicle every 48 seconds.
While vehicle theft can happen anywhere, many thefts are crimes of opportunity that can be prevented by developing a few simple habits.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to:
- Park in well-lit, highly visible areas whenever possible.
- Remove or hide valuables from plain sight.
- Lock all doors and close windows before leaving your vehicle.
- Take your keys or key fob with you every time you exit your vehicle.
- Never leave a running vehicle unattended, even for a brief moment.
Residents should also report suspicious activity in their neighborhoods by calling the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777. If a crime is in progress or there is an immediate emergency, call 911.
Taking a few extra seconds to secure your vehicle can help prevent theft and save you the time, expense, and inconvenience of becoming a victim.
