A spike in car thefts across Central Coast have one thing in common

With dozens of cars stolen on the Central Coast since Saturday, police have discovered a trend in the type of car thieves are swiping.

“They find a ’90s model Honda, get in and drive off,” said Sgt. Jon Law, with the Seaside Police Department. “These cars are very easy to steal.”

Law has been on this beat since Saturday when five cars were swiped in Seaside, 14 in Salinas, three in Monterey and one in Pacific Grove. Multiple cars were also taken from Marina. Nearly all of these cars are Honda Civics or Accords made in the 1990s.

On Tuesday, a 1990 Honda was recovered in Seaside which was stolen from Salinas. Law said thieves are stealing the cars for parts or taking any property.

“We recovered three vehicles yesterday (Monday) and they were all found a mile from where they were taken,” Law said. “People, in this case, it seems like just going for joy rides. (It’s) cheaper than calling a cab or using Uber.”

Law added 1990s Civics and Accords have similar style keys but sometimes thieves will use a screwdriver or a butter knife to start the car.

“The car we just recovered: The tow operator used his Toyota key to start the Honda,” Law said.

So far, no arrests have been made. If the car is worth less than $950, the punishment is a misdemeanor but if it’s more than that amount the crime becomes a felony, police said. It also depends on the criminal record of the thief.

“Based on the number of cars that are stolen I suspect it’s a group, a group of people involved in this,” Law said.

If you do have this type of vehicle, police said you should park it in your garage or buy a steering wheel lock.