KENNEWICK, Wash.-- NBC Right Now is following car thefts in the Tri-Cities. A recent spike in the numbers was attributed to a string of Honda thefts. But, is that activity really reflective of the year's overall trends?
Although earlier in December there was a jump in Honda thefts, when thieves stripped the cars for their parts, the overall car theft numbers for the year in Kennewick are down. There was a 34% decrease in auto thefts in 2012. One hundred twenty-three vehicles were stolen this year, compared to 185 last year.
Law enforcement hopes their constant reminders of "When you leave it, lock it," are working to get the word out about the seriousness of the issue.
Half of the auto thefts in Kennewick are from non-forced entry when people leave their keys in the car or nearby. But, even with the decrease in stolen cars this year, police say the region is definitely on the map for auto theft.
"Yakima and the valley is usually one of the highest auto theft rates in the country. We're not that far away but we have a few less. This is still a pretty big area as far as auto theft is concerned when you take the entire region," said Mike Blatman, Kennewick Police Department.
The decrease in thefts is a good trend, but Blatman said the numbers aren't long term enough to say there is solid change.
Police hope the number of thefts continue to fall, but said people have to be diligent to protect themselves from losing their car.
Blatman said when it's cold out and people leave their cars unattended and running to stay warm, that's a prime opportunity for thieves.
