Recent Rash of Ford F-250 and F-350 Diesel Trucks Thefts

15 Nov 2018

Auto thieves have been targeting Ford pick-ups in Pinellas County, FL. Police in Pinellas County have been monitoring a recent wave of auto thefts in which thieves are specifically targeting pickup trucks.

The thieves have almost always targeted locked vehicles, and they have successfully driven the car away in almost every case. Police are calling the situation “alarming” because it appears that certain models of pickup trucks are being directly targeted because of the vehicle’s key system.

According to police, the spike in stolen Ford F-250 and F-350 diesel trucks is related to the newer vehicle’s computer chip lock system.

The recent thefts have been models from 2001 to 2010 that don’t have the newer key system. The transponder keys usually prevent the engine from starting without the computer chip, so it makes newer models much more difficult to steal. In response, auto thieves have decided to start targeting the later models that don’t have the transponder technology.

While this issue is not limited to Pinellas County, there have already been 15 thefts of these two Ford models this year alone.

Tips for Keeping your Vehicle Safe

Officials are urging car owners to take certain steps to safeguard their vehicles. If you have an older pickup truck without transponder keys, then it’s best to take heed of the following advice. Utilizing the following safety tips may help prevent you from becoming the next victim of this trend:

Continue to lock your doors: Police are saying that these car thieves are getting the trucks started and driven away within five minutes. Anything that slows them down acts as a preventative measure.
Park inside a garage: Of course, sight unseen is the key here.
Use steering wheel locks: This device will be visible from the window, and it will deter thieves by immobilizing the steering wheel.
Install an alarm: Thieves typically avoid vehicles with alarm.
Use a GPS tracking device: Installing a GPS tracker onto your truck will both deter theft and help you potentially recover your vehicle in the event you are targeted. This device is crucial.

Police in Pinellas County have noted that they have not yet recovered any of the trucks that were stolen this year, and a GPS tracking device could have helped with that.

Police in Pinellas County are asking anyone with information related to this case to contact the Auto Theft Unit at 727-582-6424. If you’d like to remain anonymous, then you can leave your information with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS.

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About George Karonis

George Karonis is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of LiveViewGPS Inc., a company he established in 2008 with the vision of making real-time GPS tracking more reliable, affordable, and accessible for businesses of all sizes. Over the past two decades, he has built a reputation as an innovator in GPS tracking, fleet management, asset monitoring, and Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PTToC) communications. Under George's leadership, LiveViewGPS has grown into a nationally recognized provider of GPS tracking solutions, serving businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, law enforcement organizations, and public works departments throughout the United States. The company's technology helps organizations improve operational efficiency, protect valuable assets, increase driver safety, and reduce operating costs through real-time location intelligence. Before founding LiveViewGPS, George developed a background in security, surveillance, and emerging location technologies. His passion for innovation and practical problem solving has driven the development of products that combine dependable hardware with easy-to-use cloud software, giving customers actionable information when it matters most. In 2018, George expanded into nationwide Push-to-Talk over Cellular communications by launching PeakPTT, providing businesses with rugged, instant communication solutions that operate over LTE and Wi-Fi networks. His focus has remained the same throughout his career: delivering dependable technology backed by exceptional customer service and long-term customer relationships. George regularly writes about GPS tracking, fleet management, asset protection, business technology, and communication systems. Through this blog, he shares industry insights, practical advice, and emerging trends to help organizations make informed decisions about tracking technology and connected operations.