California has Eight of the Top 10 Vehicle Theft Hot Spots in the Country
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SACRAMENTO- Vehicle owners beware, eight California metropolitan areas are among the top 10 locations in the country where vehicles are reported stolen the most.
"Vehicle theft is huge in California, so vehicle owners should take every step possible to detour thieves from choosing their vehicle," said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association Foundation Chairman Kenny Ehrman. "These thieves are stealing older models for parts. The newer cars, they often ship overseas. So lock your vehicles, set alarms, use an anti-theft steering wheel lock, park in a well-lit area or a locked garage. Anything to slow thieves down or to make them decide to completely pass on making off with your vehicle."
For 2015, the 10 MSAs with the highest vehicle theft rates were: (thefts in parentheses)
| 2015 Ranking | 2014 | Ranking | ||
| 1. | Modesto, Calif. | (4,072) |
5. | (3,047) |
| 2. | Albuquerque, N.M. | (6,657) |
12. | (4,754) |
| 3. | Bakersfield, Calif. | (6,000) | 2. | (5,211) |
| 4. | Salinas, Calif. | (2,934) | 11. | (2,270) |
| 5. | San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, Calif. | (30,554) | 1. | (29,093) |
| 6. | Stockton-Lodi, Calif. | (4,656) |
3. | (4,245) |
| 7. | Pueblo, Colo. | (983) | 24. | (654) |
| 8. | Merced, Calif. | (1,605) | 21. | (1,132) |
| 9. | Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif. | (25,001) | 14. | (21,264) |
| 10. | Vallejo-Fairfield, Calif. | (2,352) | 7. | (2,414) |
Data from the National Insurance Crime Bureau
