---

Survey Reveals Half of Americans are Concerned About Vehicle Theft

9 June 1999

Master Lock Survey Reveals Half of Americans are Concerned About Vehicle Theft; Only 25% Use Vehicle Security Devices

    MILWAUKEE, June 9 -- According to a national survey released
today by Master Lock Company, more than half (51%) of Americans feel that
their vehicle is in danger of being stolen, vandalized or broken into.
Despite this, only one in four people (25%) use a vehicle security device.
    In 1997 alone, more than 1.7 million vehicles were reported stolen in the
U.S. -- the equivalent of a theft every 23 seconds.  Of these incidents, many
vehicles are stolen for parts or accessories, such as air bags.  A rapidly
growing "business," air bag thefts tripled from 1994 to 1997 to become a $50
million industry*.
    According to Dr. Isaiah "Ike" McKinnon, former Detroit chief of police and
vehicle-security advisor to Master Lock, most vehicle thefts can be prevented.
"Vehicle theft is big business in the U.S.  In fact, it's a $7.3 billion
industry.  Taking simple steps to make your vehicle more secure, such as using
a steering wheel lock or air bag lock, could save a lot of money, hassle, and
that feeling of being violated.  The fact that three of four people aren't
protecting their vehicle is alarming."
    The study, conducted for Master Lock by Opinion Research Corporation, was
based on a statistically valid, random sample of 1,000 adults.  Findings of
the study indicate that those most concerned about their vehicle's safety are
adults between the ages of 18 and 24.  More than half (55%) of all individuals
in this group feel that their vehicle is in danger.  Despite this, only 25% of
this age group use a vehicle security device.  Those least concerned about
their vehicle's safety are those over the age of 65 -- only 45% of this group
report being concerned.  Of adults over age 65, one in five use a vehicle
security device.
    Residents of New England and Mid-Atlantic states report the biggest
concern over vehicle theft and break-ins -- more than half (56%) feel that
their vehicle is in danger.  People in this region are most likely to use a
vehicle security device.  More than one in three currently use a theft-
deterrent device to protect their vehicle.  Those least concerned about
vehicle safety reside in North Central states.  Only 19% of citizens in this
area protect their vehicle with security devices.
    Ranging in price from $20-$100, vehicle security devices such as steering
wheel locks and air bag locks are growing in popularity as economical and
efficient protection devices.  Products such as Master Lock's high security
steering wheel lock and the company's soon to be released maximum security
steering wheel and air bag lock combination offer high quality protection at a
fair price.  In addition, Master Lock offers an exclusive anti-theft guarantee
of $2,000, the highest in the industry.
    An operating unit of Fortune Brands , Master Lock is the world's
largest manufacturer of padlocks and related security products, employing more
than 1,300 people at its headquarters in Milwaukee, Wis.  For more information
about Master Lock and its products, visit the world wide web at
http://www.masterlock.com

    *  Statistics provided by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB)

    Contact:  Stacey Weiss, 414-270-7612, or pager, 414-557-2520, or Leslie
O'Connell, 414-270-7610, both for Master Lock.