Vehicle Thefts Take a Dip: Good News for Californians

California (KIEM)- For years you’ve read it. California car thefts are on the rise. Now it appears the trend has reversed, with thefts declining 6.2% in 2017 (that’s the largest decrease since 2014).

California has one of the highest numbers of registered automobiles in the country, and in 2017 175,351 vehicles were stolen. According to California Highway Patrol (CHP) that number still needs to go down, but aggressive policing and public awareness campaigns are helping.

“Although the overall number of vehicles stolen is down, there is still much more work to be done,” said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley. “Law enforcement can’t
solve the problem alone. The CHP will continue to partner with local law enforcement on vehicle theft task forces to combat auto theft in California and asks the public to do its part.”

CHP also offers the following tips to help you protect your cars and the valuables you stow inside them:

• Park in well-lit, secure, or highly visible locations
• Lock vehicle doors and close windows
• Use an alarm system
• Do not leave a vehicle unattended with its engine running
• Never leave valuable items in plain sight
• Report suspicious activity to law enforcement

 

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