Auto Theft "Lock & Pocket Your Keys" Campaign

DRIVE SMART in partnership with the Colorado Springs Police Department created an awareness campaign to assist the Police Department’s effort curb auto theft in the community. According to police records auto theft is an on-going problem, and over 33% of all auto thefts could be prevented if individuals just locked their cars and took their keys.

A task force was put in place and the campaign launched, complete with key chains and brochures advertising Lock and Pocket Your Keys/Hot Cars, Cold Cash. We had strong support from insurance companies, local businesses, the automobile dealers association and law enforcement. DRIVE SMART joined efforts with the Colorado Springs Crime Stoppers in their Hot Cars, Cold Cash campaign.

The initial campaign consisted of a billboard outdoor campaign, key chains with two messages, and 35,000 brochures. During the first three-week wave of education, auto theft dropped 6%. The campaign continued and with more brochures, handbills and aluminum parking lot signs. The parking lot signs were placed in lots throughout the city including business, apartment complexes, city parking garages, all five School District #11 high schools and the campus of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

Auto theft does not go away and after a several year hiatus, the campaign was rejuvenated with 20,000 additional brochures being printed and handbills being designed and printed in both English and Spanish. A 60 second TV PSA was created for the City of Colorado Springs Channel 18.