News and Events

Crime stats: will your car be stolen?

Mar. 2006 - In 2005 the San Diego Police Department answered 1.3 million calls and dispatched officers to 644,000 of those calls. The rate of violent cimes is down 2.5% from 2004 and officers arrested an average of 234 criminal suspects each day.

However, one crime that San Diegans still need to watch out for is motor vehicle theft. Vehicle theft has increased 9% from 2004 to 2005. Most vehicle theft can be prevented.

According to the FBI, 80% of all cars stolen last year were unlocked. The San Diego Police Department offers some tips to prevent vehicle theft:

1. Lock doors. Roll up windows. Don't leave a spare set of keys in the car.
2. Park in open, well-lit and populated areas.
3. Buy a vehicle with interior hood and trunk lock releases.
4. Turn wheels sharply toward the curb when parking in a street.
5. Buy a vehicle with a locking ignition or steering column.
6. Consider having your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) etched on all windows.