Car thefts down statewide, but spike in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties, CHP says

California car thefts decreased in 2014 by almost seven percent from 2013, according to a report by the California Highway Patrol. This marks the second year in a row that vehicle thefts have declined.

Looking at the local numbers, San Benito County’s vehicle thefts have decreased 5.7 percent since 2013 and Santa Clara County’s thefts decreased by nearly three percent. However, Monterey County’s vehicle thefts have increased nine percent from 2013 and Santa Cruz County’s vehicle thefts have increased a whopping 14.3 percent – one of the highest increases in California.

Recoveries of stolen vehicles have increased 10.7 percent in Monterey County, 12.4 percent in Santa Cruz County but have decreased 4.8 percent in Santa Clara County and 4.2 percent in San Benito County. Overall in California, recoveries of stolen vehicles have decreased 6.6 percent.

“While the continuing decline in theft is good news,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said. “People need to remember that vehicle theft is a crime of opportunity. Simple deterrents such as locking vehicle doors, parking in a secure or highly visible location, and not leaving the car running unattended can make all the difference.”

The estimated total value of the stolen vehicles is approximately $900 million. Almost 90 percent of the vehicles were successfully recovered. Of the vehicles recovered statewide, 65 percent were recovered intact and in decent condition.

The most popular cars for thieves are the 1996, 1994, and 1997 Honda Accord. The 2007 Suzuki was the most-stolen motorcycle and the 1988 Toyota pickup was the most-stolen personal truck. Toyota pickups have been the most frequently stolen pickup truck since 1984, attributed to its resale value, interchangeable parts, and availability.

Almost half of car thefts occurred in the five Southern California counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego, which constitute 54 percent of California’s population. The five Bay Area counties of Alameda, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara accounted for approximately 20 percent of all vehicle thefts.

In 2012, 174,457 vehicles were stolen in California, which was an 11.26 percent increase from 2011. Vehicle thefts decreased by 2 percent in 2013, to 171,036. Thefts continued to decrease in 2014, dropping to 159,271, a decrease of 6.9 percent from 2013.

The CHP offers drivers additional anti-theft tips:

* Always make sure you receive an ownership certificate when purchasing a used vehicle.

* Never hide a spare ignition key on the vehicle.

* Take extra precautions against theft if you drive one of the vehicles that is popular with thieves.

* Be aware of your surroundings prior to leaving your vehicle.

* Report possible vehicle theft activity by calling 1-800-TELL-CHP (1-800-835-5247).