
WATCH: Man Tries Getting Behind The Wheel of Poughkeepsie Fire Truck
A video is going viral of a civilian getting behind the wheel of a local fire truck.
Over $3 Million in Stolen Cars Recovered in 2024
Did you know that June is Vehicle Theft Prevention Month?
In June of 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicle announced that 6 months into the year $3.5 million in stolen vehicles had been recovered.
That's 120 stolen vehicles recovered. Unfortunately, that's an increase from the 112 stolen vehicles recovered in 2023.
Additionally the DMV, according to a press release, has recovered 31 stolen auto parts in 2024 "worth more than $58,000." The press release went on to add that vehicle thefts are becoming more common across the the country and "New York is stepping up it's efforts to protect innocent New Yorkers from these costly crimes."
In early October 2024, one of those costly crimes was avoided in Poughkeepsie, New York.
WATCH: Civilian Tries Getting Behind The Wheel of a Poughkeepsie, NY Fire Truck
A video posted to Facebook earlier this week shows what could have been a very costly vehicle theft. How much is a firetruck worth?
In the video a man, who is sitting on the concrete sidewalk, is seen making his way behind the wheel of a Poughkeepsie, NY fire truck.
Around the 45 second mark you can see the man pull open the door of the parked fire truck. Then, it seems as though the subject fiddles around with something in the truck and looks around for about 20 seconds before he hops right on board.
The subject is behind the wheel for about 30 seconds, with the door opened. Most likely trying to figure out how to drive such a large apparatus.
Seconds later a firefighter is seen approaching the drivers side of the truck from the rear when he notices the door open and steps into action.
You can watch the full encounter below:
We've reached out to the City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department for comment and will update the story when we hear back.
What to Do in NY if Your Vehicle is Stolen
Thankfully, the Poughkeepsie fire truck did not end up in the hands of the wrong person.
If you're ever in the situation where your vehicle is stolen in New York State, officials say to report it to police and your auto insurance company immediately. They also recommend asking the police to complete a Report of Lost or Stolen Motor Vehicle Items.
After it's reported, the police will put all your stolen vehicle information on national and state auto theft record.
Update: These Are Now The Top 10 Most Stolen Cars In New York
Nearly 300 Cars Stolen Recovered In New York State
Connecticut Car Thefts on Rise, 5 Things You Need to Know
Gallery Credit: Lou Milano
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