Police say motorists need to be vigilant in leaving their
vehicles locked and secure
Gilroy – Vehicle thefts appear to be on the rise. A review of January statistics revealed that as of Monday, the number of vehicles stolen equaled the total for the month last year. An unusual spike early on may have offset figures, however, police warn motorists to be vigilant about leaving their vehicle secure.
Last January, there were 14 vehicles reported stolen to the Gilroy Police Department. With about half the month still to go, if figures stay on pace, the number of stolen vehicles may double.
But police officials believe the figures may be skewed due to five vehicles being reported stolen in one day on Jan. 5.
“That was unusual that’s for sure. [But] you can have a spike,” explained Sgt. Kurt Svardal. “That’s how crime can go, you’ll have a spike in something, and then nothing for awhile.”
For the past two years, thieves have stolen more vehicles on average during the winter months. December through February garner the most stolen vehicle reports.
Last year, 20 vehicles were reported stolen in February. In 2003, the figure hovered at 19. December’s rates were consistent – both years 16 vehicles were stolen.
The current rate places January ahead of its previous numbers with two weeks left.
The reason thefts tend to increase in colder months may have something to do more with increased opportunity.
“It is not unusual for people to start their cars and leave them warming in the driveway,” Svardal said. “It only takes a second for a criminal to steal a car.”
State Attorney General Bill Lockyer released a preliminary report in December indicating that stolen vehicle thefts were up .2 percent for 2004. The report does not include totals from the winter months. A final report will not be available until mid-April.
In November, the National Insurance Crime Bureau released statistics on the top 10 most stolen vehicle types. Honda Civics and Accord models from the 1990s topped the list, followed by Dodge Caravans and Rams. Acura Integras and Nissan Sentras capped the list off.
“We know Hondas are a target,” said Community Services Officer Maria Cabatingan. “Thieves know how to get into them.”
She encouraged residents not to leave their vehicles idling unless they have the ability to keep the car locked while the car is warming.
“Keep the car in the garage,” she advised. “Make sure you have the doors locked.”
