California auto theft numbers are the lowest they have been in
12 years and vehicle recovery rates are high, according to the
California Highway Patrol.
California auto theft numbers are the lowest they have been in 12 years and vehicle recovery rates are high, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The car thieves seem to especially like the Southern California coast, according to the CHP. About 55.8 percent of all reported car thefts occurred in five Southern California cities – Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego.
Sierra County in Northern California had the greatest percentage reduction in vehicle theft with zero incidents this year, according to the CHP. Santa Clara County had a 16.4 percent decrease in auto theft.
But not all counties reduced auto theft – Mono County in central California had a 133.3 percent increase in auto thefts, according to the CHP.
“The cheapest form of defense is to simply employ the anti-theft devices that are standard on all vehicles: locks,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “Lock your car and take your keys.”
To avoid auto theft, CHP advises motorists to park in well-lit, populated areas. Visible and audible devices can be installed in cars to let thieves know that the car is protected. Immobilizing devices prevent thieves from bypassing the ignition and hot-wiring the cars. Tracking devices can also help authorities locate stolen cars. Motorists should also make sure not to leave their car warming up in the driveway.
Honda and Toyota cars are the most popular brands among car thiefs, according to the CHP. Toyota has repeatedly ranked at the top of the most frequently stolen pick-up truck list since 1984.
In the case that a vehicle is stolen, there is a good chance that the owner will see it again – of the 199,766 vehicles reported stolen in California last year, 86.8 percent were recovered, according to the CHP.
