Spike in car thefts in King City

King City police said there’s been a spike in auto thefts during the last two months.

Ten cars were stolen in November, and so far, ten have been stolen in December.

InOctober,only three cars were reported stolen.

“Out of 20 vehicles stolen for the last two months, 15 of them have been Hondas,” said Chief of Police Tony Sollecito.

The thefts are atrend law enforcement is seeing throughout Monterey County and the country.

“We’re finding them in rural areas outside of town, we’re finding them in alleyways here in town, everywhere,” said Sollecito.

King City is the latest Central Coast city to fall victim to auto theft. Last month, 14 cars were stolen in Salinas – most of them 1990’s era Honda Accords and Civics as well.

Officers said that’s’ because they are easy to steal and one of the most popular cars on the road.

“People seek those cars on a regular basis, consistently, yeah, they are always good cars,” said car dealership owner Vince Lopez.

Owner ofJV Automobiles in King City. He’s not surprised Honda’s are the number one cars stolen. He said people ask for them every day.

“It’s pretty obvious if a car is popular at retail, it’s popular in the hot market too. It’s a hot car all the way around,” said Lopez.

Police said thieves are stealing the cars for parts or to just get around town, like a taxi.

Sollecito said always remember to roll up your window and lock your doors.

“If you can, get an alarm put on the car with a sticker showing that it has an alarm. That’s a great deterrent,” said Sollecito.

Police said they have recovered 14 of the 20 cars stolen in King City in Novemberand December.