Auto Club, CHP Warn: Car Theft Season is upon California

SAN DIEGO--Nov. 3, 20050, 2005--California has entered "car theft season," when more vehicles are stolen than at any other time of the year, according to an analysis by the Automobile Club of Southern California. The month of December sees the highest number of vehicle thefts, according to California Highway Patrol statistics.

Statewide in 2004, 127,975 cars, pickups, vans and SUVs were stolen. More than 11 percent of them - 14,306 vehicles - were stolen in December, which was more than any other month. In San Diego County in December 2004, 2,186 cars, pickups, vans and SUVs were stolen - 15.3 percent of the statewide total and almost 10 percent of the total number stolen countywide last year.

In terms of total commercial and non-commercial vehicle thefts (automobiles, personal trucks, commercial trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles and trailers), San Diego County (26,321) trails only Los Angeles County (71,850) in the total number of vehicles stolen last year.

"Consumers need to be aware that even with high-tech vehicles and anti-theft devices, the likelihood of becoming a car theft victim is higher in Southern California than in other parts of the country," said Daniel Brogdon, assistant group manager for the special investigation unit of the Interinsurance Exchange of the Auto Club. "The Auto Club has been helping its members deal with car theft since 1915, when it established a Vehicle Theft Bureau."

Today, the Auto Club honors CHP Patrol Officer Joe Garcia for having the highest number of recovered stolen vehicles in San Diego County in 2004 and to date in 2005. In 2004, Garcia recovered nine stolen vehicles with an estimated total value of $50,000. In 2005, Garcia has made six vehicle recoveries, which resulted in three in-custody arrests, with an estimated total value of $25,000.

Motorists can avoid becoming a victim of car theft by following these tips:

-- Never leave your keys inside the vehicle, or leave your vehicle unlocked, even "just for a minute."

-- Never leave valuable items visible inside the car, such as electronic devices, a purse, or luggage.

-- Invest in an alarm system, ignition shutoff device and/or a theft tracking device.

-- When possible, park your vehicle in a secure garage, or in well-lit areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.

-- Never leave a spare ignition key hidden on the vehicle.

-- To report thefts or theft-related activity, call 1-800-TELL CHP.

The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest affiliate of the AAA, has been serving members since 1900. Today, the Auto Club's members benefit by roadside assistance, insurance products and services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing, buying and financing programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services and highway and transportation safety programs. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club's Web site at www.aaa.com.