By Louisiana Department of Insurance
The Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI), along with the Louisiana Automobile Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention Authority (LATIFPA), announced today that registration for the 2014 Conference on Insurance Fraud and Auto Theft is now underway.
The conference will be held on Wednesday, October 15 and will feature presentations on combating vehicle theft, as well as panel discussions on health care fraud, investigating insurance fraud and insurance fraud prosecution.
According to the most recent Uniform Crime Reporting data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the number of auto thefts statewide dropped from 9,113 vehicles stolen in 2011 to 7,881 vehicles stolen in 2012, representing a decrease of 13.5 percent.
The decline in the number of reported auto thefts improved Louisiana’s national ranking from 26th in 2011 to 30th in 2012 in the rate of vehicles stolen. Over the five-year period from 2007 through 2012, the number of auto thefts in Louisiana has declined by 48 percent.
Nationally, auto thefts dropped by 34 percent over the same time period.
“While the declining number of auto thefts is encouraging, it certainly does not mean we can become lax when it comes to taking preventative measures,” said Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon.
“One particular crime to be on the lookout for is vehicle break-ins. Simple steps such as locking your car and not keeping any valuables in your vehicle can help you avoid becoming a victim,” said Donelon.
Established by the Louisiana Legislature, during the 2004 Regular Session, the LATIFPA is a public agency housed within the Department of Insurance with the purpose of combating motor vehicle theft, insurance fraud, and other criminal acts.
Through partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, public awareness campaigns and educational outreach initiatives, the LDI and the LATIFPA work towards reducing the number of fraudulent insurance claims and vehicle thefts.
For more information on the conference, please visit the Louisiana Department of Insurance website to obtain a copy of the registration form and agenda.
Interested parties may also contact the LDI at 1(225) 342-0819 for additional information. Continuing education credits will be available for insurance producers, adjusters and attorneys who attend the event.
