Authorities work to buck local car theft trend

UPDATE: 6:54 p.m.

It’s a state with one of the highest number of travelers.

But according to a recent study by Bankrate, California is home to the highest rate of car thefts in the country, with nearly 437 cars stolen for every 100,000 residents.

“A vehicle in California is stolen approximately every three minutes, and an estimated value of over 1 billion dollars every year,” California Highway Patrol (CHP) Public Information Officer Mike Radford said. “So it is definitely an issue here.”

Despite the trend, Indio Police officers said they’ve actually seen a drop in their city of about 13 percent with officers continuing to rack up stolen cars, in an upshifting trend across other parts of the state.

“A crime of opportunity, almost like package theft,” Indio Police Public Information Officer Sgt. Dan Marshall said. “They’re just walking down the street, they see that package on the porch, so they grab it. Same thing with cars. You’re on a well-traveled street with pedestrians, they’re walking down the street. Maybe they didn’t have any intention of stealing a car, but there it is.”

CHP officers said local agencies have also helped combat recent thefts through a valley-wide vehicle-theft task force. Last year, Radford said the task force helped with 299 arrests, and recovered 792 vehicles.

“They use technology to help arrest these people stealing these vehicles,” Radford said. “License plate readers. They use bait cars at times. And, it’s just really a great combined effort.”

Officers like Marshall and Radford said they hope to shut the door on these crimes, especially during the holidays.

“We see the looks on people’s faces when they realize it happens,” Radford said. “It’s a tragic loss. That’s why we want you to take the preventative measures so that you’re vehicle doesn’t get stolen. “

Radford said about 91 percent of vehicles stolen in California are recovered.

Marshall said some of the most popular cars stolen are ones made in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Some tips to help keep your car from getting stolen include always locking your doors, setting alarms and staying in areas with good lighting.

Also, never leave your keys in your parked car, especially in a garage where criminals can break in.

And don’t turn on your car to warm it up outside and walk away.

———-

ORIGINAL STORY: 4:49 p.m.

A recent study from Bankrate lists California as the highest rated state for auto theft in the nation. With California being one of the most traveled states in the country, California Highway Patrol officers aren’t surprised by the ranking, but they are working to buck the trend in the Coachella Valley.

Zak Dahlheimer will have more details about a task force that’s working to stop car thieves in their tracks on KESQ News Channel 3 at 6 p.m.

And, one valley city is actually showing a decrease in vehicle theft; dropping by 13%. We’ll tell you which city is getting a handle on the problem.

Officers said you should always make sure to lock your car doors and never leave your keys inside the car.

Watch KESQ News Channel 3 at 6 p.m. to learn more about the state auto theft trend.