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REPORT: NICB’s 2016 Hot Spots Vehicle Theft Report
Published
9 years agoon
By
Willie DavidDes Plaines, Ill, (FNN NEWS) The Albuquerque, N.M. metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the highest per capita auto theft rate in 2016 according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) latest Hot Spots report.
Hot Spots examines vehicle theft data obtained from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) for each of the nation’s MSAs. MSAs are designated by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and often include areas much larger than the cities for which they are named. For example, this year’s number one spot, the Albuquerque, N.M. MSA, includes all thefts within the entire county of Bernalillo, not just the city of Albuquerque.
After rising to number two on the Hot Spots list last year, Albuquerque was chosen as the site of NICB’s annual insurance fraud and vehicle theft summit in the fall. Local and state authorities gathered to discuss the growing vehicle theft problem and address efforts to combat the problem in 2017. NICB recently ran billboard messages in the city aimed at reducing the theft rate.
New to the top 10 this year, the metro areas of Anchorage, Alaska (No. 6) and Billings, Mont. (No. 10). As a population-based survey, an area with a much smaller population and a moderate number of thefts can—and often does—have a higher theft rate than an area with a much more significant vehicle theft problem and a larger population to absorb it. Which is how Billings, with 877 thefts, places 10th while Los Angeles, with 60,670 thefts places 35th.
For 2016, the 10 MSAs with the highest vehicle theft rates were: (thefts in parentheses)
| 2016 Ranking | 2015 Ranking | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Albuquerque, N.M. | (10,011) | 2 | (6,657) |
| 2. Pueblo, Colo. | (1,325) | 7 | (983) |
| 3. Bakersfield, Calif. | (7,176) | 3 | (6,000) |
| 4. Modesto, Calif. | (3,820) | 1 | (4,072) |
| 5. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif. | (25,708) | 9 | (25,001) |
| 6. Anchorage, Alaska | (2,273) | 47 | (1,359) |
| 7. Merced, Calif. | (1,605) | 21 | (1,132) |
| 8. San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, Calif. | (29,414) | 5 | (30,554) |
| 9. Fresno, Calif. | (5,682) | 13 | (5,149) |
| 10. Billings, Mont. | (877) | 21 | (775) |
Each year the FBI releases preliminary Uniform Crime Report (UCR) data for the previous year’s January-June time frame. When the preliminary 2016 crime data was released earlier this year, vehicle theft was up 6.6 percent across the nation. That increase is reflected in today’s Hot Spots report and is expected to hold when the final UCR 2016 crime data is published in the fall.
For comparison, below is a table showing the preliminary UCR vehicle theft data, the percent change from the previous year, and the final UCR vehicle theft figure:
| Year | Preliminary UCR % change | Final UCR vehicle theft total |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | +6.6 | |
| 2015 | +1.0 | 707,758 |
| 2014 | -5.7 | 689,527 |
| 2013 | -3.2 | 699,594 |
| 2012 | +1.7 | 721,053 |
| 2011 | -5.0 | 715,373 |
| 2010 | -7.2 | 737,142 |
| 2009 | -17.2 | 795,652 |
| 2008 | -13.1 | 958,629 |
| 2007 | -7.4 | 1,095,769 |
Overall, vehicle theft is down, dramatically, across the nation. The historic peak year for vehicle theft was 1991, with 1,661,738 reported thefts. In 2015, the total was 707,758. That is a 57.4 percent reduction since 1991.
While the final result for 2016 is expected to be higher than 2015’s number, the vehicle theft environment across the country is vastly improved from the 1990s.
But it could be much better if vehicle owners just followed simple security advice.
In a report published last October, NICB found that for the years 2013 through 2015, a total of 147,434 vehicles were reported stolen with the keys left in them—57,096 in 2015 alone. With the debut of “smart keys” in 1997 and all of the improved anti-theft technology since, it is worthless if drivers continue to leave their keys in the car or leave their vehicles running, unattended, while they make a quick stop at a convenience store.
Vehicle manufacturers, law enforcement and legislatures have been responsive to the crime of vehicle theft over the years and the results are evident. Vehicle owners must guard against complacency and remember to heed simple tips to safeguard their vehicles.
The full Hot Spots report is available at www.nicb.org. See the Hot Spots video here.
NICB recommends that drivers follow our four “layers of protection” to guard against vehicle theft:
Common Sense — the common sense approach to protection is the easiest and most cost-effective way to thwart would-be thieves. You should always:
- Remove your keys from the ignition
- Lock your doors /close your windows
- Park in a well-lit area
Warning Device — the second layer of protection is a visible or audible device which alerts thieves that your vehicle is protected. Popular devices include:
- Audible alarms
- Steering column collars
- Steering wheel/brake pedal lock
- Brake locks
- Wheel locks
- Theft deterrent decals
- Identification markers in or on vehicle
- VIN etching
- Micro dot marking
Immobilizing Device — the third layer of protection is a device which prevents thieves from bypassing your ignition and hot-wiring the vehicle. Some electronic devices have computer chips in ignition keys. Other devices inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch or button is activated. Some examples are:
- Smart keys
- Fuse cut-offs
- Kill switches
- Starter, ignition, and fuel pump disablers
- Wireless ignition authentication
Tracking Device — the final layer of protection is a tracking device which emits a signal to police or a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles. Some systems employ “telematics” which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved, the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked via computer.
SOURCE | National Insurance Crime Bureau
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Business
Addition Financial, Rosen Preschools Partner to Expand Financial Literacy for Central Florida Children
Published
2 weeks agoon
September 22, 2026Now in its fourth year, ADDing FUNdamentals introduces children as young as 4 to saving, needs versus wants and other basic money concepts through classroom activities and take-home resources.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Addition Financial Credit Union is expanding its ADDing FUNdamentals community impact program through a new partnership with Rosen Preschools, bringing financial literacy education to children as young as 4 while providing resources designed to extend those lessons into their homes.
Now in its fourth year, ADDing FUNdamentals introduces preschool-aged children to basic money-management concepts through interactive, age-appropriate learning experiences.
Developed through a partnership with Junior Achievement of Central Florida and the Early Learning Coalition of Orange County, the program uses Junior Achievement’s JA Ourselves curriculum to teach children foundational concepts including making choices, distinguishing needs from wants and saving money.
Rosen Preschools is participating in the program for the first time, expanding the initiative’s reach to more children and families in Central Florida.
Addition Financial Credit Union, Rosen Preschools and community partners celebrate the expansion of the ADDing FUNdamentals financial literacy program, which introduces preschool-aged children to basic money-management concepts through hands-on learning and imaginative play.
Financial Lessons Extend Beyond the Classroom
As part of the initiative, volunteers from Addition Financial, Junior Achievement and Rosen Hotels & Resorts assembled backpacks filled with educational resources designed to help children follow along with classroom lessons and continue learning at home with their families.
A portion of the backpacks will be distributed to Rosen Tangelo Park Preschool and Rosen Preschool in Parramore.
Addition Financial is also providing playhouses modeled after miniature credit unions, giving students an opportunity to practice basic money-management concepts through imaginative play.
The combination of classroom instruction, hands-on activities and take-home materials is designed to reinforce financial concepts while encouraging families to continue conversations about money outside the classroom.
Rosen CEO: Financial Literacy Is a Critical Life Skill
Frank Santos, president and CEO of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, said his professional background in finance has made financial literacy an issue he strongly supports.
“We are very proud to partner with Addition Financial to bring the ADDing FUNdamentals program to the Rosen Preschools,” Santos said. “Having spent a majority of my career in finance, I am a big advocate for financial literacy.”
Santos called financial literacy a critical life skill and said introducing foundational lessons early, while also sending educational materials home to families, can help prepare children for long-term success.
Addition Financial Focuses on Starting Financial Education Early
Kevin Dougherty, chief operations officer at Addition Financial Credit Union, said the partnership with Rosen expands the program’s ability to introduce financial concepts during children’s formative years.
“We are incredibly grateful to have an organization of Rosen’s caliber become a part of the ADDing FUNdamentals program,” Dougherty said. “The students at Rosen Preschools will now get a jump start on developing key skills many of us take for granted — understanding and managing money.”
Dougherty said the response to the program since its launch demonstrates interest in providing financial education at an early age.
“The positive response and success we’ve seen since launching the program speaks to the need of fostering financial education at an early age,” Dougherty said.

Building Financial Skills Through Community Partnerships
The collaboration brings together a credit union, hospitality organization and education-focused community partners around a shared effort to introduce financial concepts to children early in life.
Rather than limiting the experience to classroom instruction, ADDing FUNdamentals combines curriculum, interactive play and educational materials that children can take home and share with their families.
The addition of Rosen Preschools in the program’s fourth year further expands its presence in Central Florida and brings the financial literacy initiative into the Tangelo Park and Parramore communities.
Through lessons on saving, choices and needs versus wants, participating children receive an early introduction to concepts they will encounter throughout their lives.
Central Florida News
Mario Andretti Headlines First 15 Drivers Named to Sebring’s Historic ‘Class of 75’
Published
3 weeks agoon
September 15, 2026By
FNN SPORTSSebring International Raceway begins honoring 75 of the event’s most successful drivers ahead of the historic 75th running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 20, 2027
SEBRING, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Racing legend Mario Andretti headlines the first group of drivers selected for Sebring International Raceway’s “Class of 75,” recognizing 75 of the most successful drivers in the history of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.
The recognition comes ahead of the 75th running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 20, 2027.
A 10-person panel of sports car racing experts debated and voted on the 75 drivers. The selections have been divided into five groups of 15, with additional names scheduled to be announced monthly through January.
The first Twelve Hours of Sebring was held March 15, 1952. Since then, the endurance race has been canceled only once, in 1974 amid the global energy crisis.
First 15 Drivers Named to ‘Class of 75’
The inaugural group includes Bob Akin, Mario Andretti, Joao Barbosa, Geoff Brabham, Derek Daly, Phil Hill, Bruce Jennings, Sascha Maassen, John Morton, Jim Pace, Hans Stuck, Nick Tandy, Richard Thompson, Fermin Velez and Andy Wallace.
Together, the drivers represent generations of Sebring history, from the race’s formative years to the modern IMSA era.
Andretti’s Place in Sebring History
Andretti made six starts at Sebring, earning three overall victories and one additional class win.
His overall victories came in 1967, 1970 and 1972. His 1970 triumph remains one of the race’s most celebrated finishes.
Andretti started that race from the pole in Ferrari’s No. 19 entry but retired the car with gearbox problems. Ferrari later moved him into the No. 21 Ferrari 512S for the closing stages.
Andretti ultimately defeated Peter Revson by 23.8 seconds, which at the time represented the closest finish in Sebring history.
Champions Across Generations
The Class of 75 also includes Phil Hill, a three-time overall Sebring winner who competed 13 times between 1953 and 1966. Hill won overall in 1958, 1959 and 1961 and added three class victories.
Hans Stuck also earned three overall victories, beginning with BMW’s landmark 1975 win. He returned to Victory Lane with Porsche in 1986 and 1988 and added two class victories during his Sebring career.
Geoff Brabham won overall in 1989 and 1991 during Nissan’s GTP era, while Derek Daly recorded two victories in three Sebring starts.
Fermin Velez captured consecutive overall victories in 1995 and 1996 driving a Ferrari 333SP, while Andy Wallace won back-to-back overall titles in 1992 and 1993 in the Toyota Eagle Mk III.
Tandy Represents Sebring’s Modern Era
Among the modern-era selections is Nick Tandy, who has accumulated one overall victory, three class wins and five podium finishes in 12 Sebring starts.
After class victories with Porsche in 2018, 2019 and 2020, Tandy joined Porsche Penske Motorsport’s prototype program.
His long-awaited overall Sebring victory came in 2025, when he teamed with Felipe Nasr and Laurens Vanthoor in a Porsche 963. The trio defeated the sister Penske entry by just 2.2 seconds.
Privateers and Sebring Mainstays Recognized
The selections extend beyond overall winners.
Bruce Jennings made 18 Sebring appearances and became one of the event’s notable privateer competitors. His 1962 debut produced a class victory and third-place overall finish.
Richard Thompson, known as the “Flying Dentist,” competed in the inaugural 1952 race. Thompson reportedly drove his MG-TD from Washington to Sebring, finished eighth and then drove the car home. He ultimately made 14 Sebring starts and earned two class victories.
Sascha Maassen recorded five Sebring victories, including four consecutive class wins from 2001 through 2004 with Alex Job Racing.
The group also recognizes the achievements of Bob Akin, Joao Barbosa, John Morton and Jim Pace, each of whom earned overall Sebring victories during their careers.
Four More Groups Coming
Sebring will unveil the remaining 60 members of its Class of 75 in four installments.
The next 15 drivers will be announced Oct. 13, followed by additional groups on Nov. 10, Dec. 15 and Jan. 12.
The complete list will ultimately recognize 75 drivers representing the history of America’s oldest major endurance race.
75th Twelve Hours of Sebring Tickets
Tickets, hospitality packages, car corral parking and reserved RV locations are currently in a renewal period through Sept. 16.
General admission tickets and parking passes are scheduled to go on sale Oct. 1. Highlands County resident tickets will also become available Oct. 1 with proof of residency and must be purchased in person at the raceway ticket office.
Fans can find ticket information and join waiting lists for hospitality, car corrals and trackside RV parking through Sebring International Raceway.
The 75th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring is scheduled for March 20, 2027.
Business
Addition Financial Foundation Awards $175,000 to 10 Central Florida Nonprofits
Published
4 weeks agoon
September 10, 2026Fifth annual Community Giving Celebration recognizes organizations serving families, students and communities across the region
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Addition Financial Foundation honored 10 Central Florida nonprofit organizations Wednesday during its fifth annual Community Giving Celebration, awarding $175,000 in unrestricted grants and providing recipients with year-round organizational support.
The breakfast and awards ceremony was held at Addition Financial Arena on the University of Central Florida campus, bringing together representatives from the nonprofit, government, education and business communities.
Established in 2021, the foundation is the philanthropic arm of Lake Mary-based Addition Financial Credit Union. Each organization selected for the 2026 Community Giving Class was nominated by an Addition Financial team member based on its work in communities served by the credit union.
10 NONPROFITS RECEIVE COMMUNITY GIVING GRANTS
Three organizations — Central Florida Community Arts, Children’s Safety Village and Embrace Health — each received $20,000 grants. Seven additional nonprofits received $15,000 each: Empowered Girls Inc., First Tee Central Florida, Foundation for Foster Children, Gentian Creek Preserve, Prospera, Save a Life Pet Rescue and Tech Sassy Girlz.
The grants are unrestricted, allowing the organizations to direct the funding toward areas they determine will have the greatest impact.
“The Community Giving Celebration gives us an opportunity to shine a light on nonprofit organizations that are addressing important needs and creating meaningful change across our community,” said Cristina Lehman, executive director of the Addition Financial Foundation.
Lehman said the foundation’s involvement extends beyond the grants, including connecting organizations with volunteers, resources and opportunities throughout the year.
ADDITIONAL $5,000 AWARDS PRESENTED
Two additional $5,000 awards were presented during the celebration.
The Greatest Investment Girls Empowerment Program, a previous Community Giving Class participant, received one award. Save a Life Pet Rescue received another following a vote by Addition Financial team members who contribute to the foundation.
In addition to financial support, the 2026 class will receive volunteer assistance from Addition Financial employees, complimentary use of the organization’s community room and workshops on topics including media relations, fundraising and grant writing.
YEAR-ROUND COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
The Community Giving program is designed to build relationships between Addition Financial and nonprofit organizations beyond a single grant cycle.
This year’s recipients work across a range of areas, including arts and culture, child safety, health, youth development, education, foster care, environmental conservation, entrepreneurship, animal rescue and technology education.
Through unrestricted grants and continuing support, the foundation said the program is intended to help nonprofits strengthen their operations while expanding their impact throughout Central Florida.