Car thefts are on the rise statewide

Car thefts are up across the entire state, but Colorado Springs and Pueblo are two of the cities where it seems to happen the most often. 

Now there’s a statewide effort underway working to make sure that you don’t become a victim of auto-theft. It’s called "LOCKDOWN: COLORADAN"S AGAINST AUTO THEFT."

The group is hoping that by alerting people of the dangers and the steps that they can take to to avoid becoming a victim, it will inspire people to take the necessary actions to cut down on the number of vehicles stolen.

Pueblo Police Sgt. Frank Ortega, tells News 5 that in the winter time every year, they tell people not to leave their cars running unattended, but they do it anyway. He says they also tell people not to leave their windows down and to never leave valuables in their car. Ortega says people have the idea that it’s okay to leave valuables in the car if the windows are rolled up, because they don’t think people will break their windows to get to those items.

The numbers prove that people need to be far more cautious and educate themselves on how to prevent auto theft.

• 39% of Coloradans don’t know leaving a car running unattended is illegal (2016 Talmey-Drake Poll)
• 34% of Coloradans admit they have left their car running unattended (2016 Talmey-Drake poll)
• 48% of Coloradans know someone who has had their car stolen (2016 Talmey-Drake poll)
• 40-50% of vehicle theft is due to driver error, which included leaving vehicle doors unlocked and leaving keys in the ignition or on the seats (NHTSA)
• There were 229 “puffer” car thefts in 2017, with an average of 19 stolen per month, and a 15.1% increase over 2016 (ATICC)
• Friday and Monday showed the highest levels of auto theft, while Sunday showed the lowest (ATICC)
• Data indicates there is a higher rate of auto theft from August through December (ATICC)
• 19,488 vehicles were stolen in Colorado in 2017, an average of 375 stolen per week and an 8% increase from 2016 (ATICC

Prevention isn’t all that hard and it takes very little effort. Make sure to lock your doors every time you exit your vehicle, even if it’s for a quick second to run into your house, or even into a convenience store. Try to park in well lit areas and make sure to place anything of value in the trunk.

Auto Theft Facts

Colorado’s Top Ten Stolen Vehicles in 2017 (ATICC)

1. Honda Civic
2. Honda Accord
3. Subaru Impreza
4. Ford F-250
5. Chevrolet Silverado
6. Jeep Cherokee
7. Ford F-350
8. Ford F-150
9. Dodge Ram Pickup
10. Subaru Legacy

The Top Five Colorado Cities for Auto Theft in 2017 (ATICC)

1. Denver
2. Colorado Springs
3. Aurora
4. Pueblo
5. Lakewood

July happens to be Auto Theft Prevention Awareness Month. For more tips on safety and prevention, click here