Putting brakes on car theft

State has largest drop in vehicle theft since 1996
Vehicle theft is in its third year of decline in California; its
largest decrease in more than 10 years.
According to California Highway Patrol (CHP) statistics, in 2008
there was a 12.2
State has largest drop in vehicle theft since 1996

Vehicle theft is in its third year of decline in California; its largest decrease in more than 10 years. 

According to California Highway Patrol (CHP) statistics, in 2008 there was a 12.2

percent decrease in the number of vehicle thefts statewide.

While the

sizable shift is encouraging news for members of California’s law

enforcement community, the insurance industry and vehicle owners

statewide, there’s still more work to be done. 

“Even with the decrease in vehicle theft, the economic loss to

Californians continues to exceed $1 billion,” said CHP Commissioner

Joe Farrow. “I applaud the work of our officers as well as police

officers and sheriff’s deputies throughout the state to reduce the

incidences of vehicle theft.

With the continued efforts of California law enforcement agencies, coupled with prevention efforts by the public, we hope the numbers will continue to fall with each passing year.”

Of the 199,766 reported stolen vehicles in California last year, 86.8

percent of those vehicles were recovered. 

Among the state’s 58 counties, Sierra County showed the biggest

reduction in the percentage of vehicles stolen at 100 percent.

Conversely, Mono County had a 133.3 percent increase in the number of

vehicles stolen last year. 

Southern California continues to be a hot

spot for vehicle theft.  Approximately 55.8 percent of all thefts

occurred in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego

counties.

“The cheapest form of defense is to simply employ the anti-theft

devices that are standard on all vehicles: locks,” added Commissioner

Farrow.  “Lock your car and take your keys.”