Police in St. Claire Shores, Michigan, are warning drivers following a string of thefts of dashboard screens from select Dodge Ram trucks — a crime they say takes 30 seconds to pull off.
“It only takes a couple of screws to get the touchscreen out,” Det. Ben Leitch told Fox 2 Detroit in a story published April 7. He investigated 16 thefts in the previous two months.
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“This is definitely a crime that probably could be stopped if the manufacturer changed some security features,” Leitch noted.
So, who is affected by these thefts, and what can drivers do to protect themselves?
Who is affected by these thefts?
According to the local broadcaster, thieves are targeting touchscreens from Dodge Ram trucks manufactured between 2021 and 2025.
One victim, identified as Dave, says his truck was parked in his driveway when the theft occurred. It had been two weeks and he was still waiting for a replacement screen.
“It’s still not fixed, so we’re waiting for parts, I guess,” he told Fox 2 Detroit. “When I get it fixed, [do] I have to worry about it getting swiped again?”
He added: “I’ve never stolen from anybody and they do this. That’s what hurts.”
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Police urge drivers to park their vehicles in a garage if possible, beef up home security and report any incidents, per the broadcaster.
Dave had a message for the criminals who broke into his truck.
“You’re lowlife idiots, losers,” he said. “Get a job.”
Costs for vehicle owners
Those with comprehensive auto insurance should be able to file a claim for the type of theft described above and receive a full reimbursement after paying the deductible.
But for those without a comprehensive policy, theft generally isn’t covered, and you could be forced to pay for any repairs and replacements out of pocket. Be sure to read over the details of your policy.
Beyond the direct cost of repairs after a theft, increased thefts on certain Dodge Ram trucks could lead to indirect costs for owners. Specifically, car insurance companies might consider it riskier to insure Dodge Ram trucks due to the break-ins, which could lead to a spike in premiums. Hopefully, if it could be easily fixed by the manufacturer, as Leitch suggested, a solution will be implemented.
Drivers who face a hike in premiums, regardless of vehicle, may want to consider shopping around and potentially switch insurance companies if a better rate is found. Additionally, don’t forget to look for discounts. For example, you might tap into savings for having a safe driving record or bundling your home and auto coverage.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
