Vehicle thefts at area new-car dealerships continue, with methods that are increasingly brazen. Attend a CATA seminar on March 29 for a review of what to do to prevent thefts and what to do if your dealership is stricken.

Despite the increasing sophistication of automotive technology — some even say because of it — thieves continue to find ways to help themselves to vehicles. Modern thieves use both low-tech and high-tech methods.

It is important that dealerships have action plans in place if vehicles or even keys are stolen. For instance, it is important to know which police agencies to notify following a theft, and in which order. Also, records from test drives should be maintained, as thieves often visit dealerships before stealing from them. It also is important not to approach thieves in action, as they usually are armed.

Thieves are smart, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be outsmarted. By staying vigilant and taking precautions, dealerships can be made less attractive targets.

The discussion will be led by officials from law enforcement, from a private security service which counts area dealerships as clients, and from an automotive group in the Chicago market.

 

Speakers

• Karianne Thomas, security director for Zeigler Automotive Group 

• Joshua Mailey, president of Signal 88 Security

• Roe Conn, a member of the Cook County Sheriff’s Office working on a crime analytics team specializing in vehicular hijacking and roadway shootings

• Representatives from the Illinois Secretary of State Police’s Statewide Auto Theft Task Force

 

The free, in-person presentation begins at 9:30 a.m. March 29. To reserve a seat, email dealermail@cata.info with employee names and positions.