THEFTS of motor vehicles are steadily increasing in the metropolitan district, announces the Automobile Merchants' Association. At a recent meeting resolutions were adopted advising all distributers and dealers to conduct a vigorous campaign of education among car owners urging the importance of using the locking devices provided to prevent the theft of cars.

It was also voted to create a special bureau to assist in carrying out such an educational campaign, and to cooperate with the insurance companies and police in securing the necessary evidence against motor car thieves and in rendering all possible assistance to secure convictions.

George Stowe, President of the Association, in advocating this campaign, said that it is the belief of the members that the present condition is due both to the failure of car owners to use the locking devices provided by manufacturers and dealers, and to the small number of convictions of automobile thieves even when the evidence is ample.

“If the association can stimulate the cooperation of the car owner,” said Mr. Stowe, “in exercising greater care in locking his machine and placing the number of the switch and door lock where it cannot be seen, and real action taken on the part of the insurance companies to prosecute, motor thefts will undoubtedly be greatly decreased.”

He also calls attention to the fact that, beginning Jan. 1, the insurance companies will make no allowances or credit for locking devices of any kind. Their policy will be that the only way to reduce the theft rate on cars is to educate the public.