In fact, both cities are way down on the list
New statistics indicate that Phoenix and Tucson are anything but the havens for car thieves that they used to be.
The latest report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau ranks Tucson 37th on the list of metro areas for vehicle theft, and Phoenix 60th. That's a far cry from ten years ago, when Phoenix topped the list and Tucson was #2.
According to Brian Salata, executive director of the Arizona Auto Theft Authority, a big part of the drop can be attributed to the state's Auto Theft Task Force, made up of law enforcement officials from all around the state, who have made it their priority to investigate and prosecute vehicle thefts, specifically targeting the cartels that took vehicles south of the border to strip them for parts, and/or to use them to smuggle drugs and/or people into the U.S.
The task force also worked to educate the public on measures they can take to lessen the chances that their car or truck will be stolen. (See the list below)
The top ten metro areas for vehicle thefts this year:
1. Fresno, CA
2. Modesto, CA
3. Bakersfield, CA
4. Spokane, WA
5. Yakima, WA
6. San Francisco-Oakland, CA
7. Stockton, CA
8. Anderson, SC
9. Vallejo-Fairfield, CA
10. Visalia-Porterfield, CA
Ways you can discourage car thieves:
1. Common Sense — Lock your car, close windows all the way (so burglars can't insert their fingers in small openings and push the window down), and take the keys. Never leave your vehicle running unattended, even in your own driveway. Don't leave valuables in your car, especially where they can be seen. Don't leave a spare set of keys in the car – the pros know where to look.
2. Use visible and audible warning devices – audible alarms, steering wheel locks (such as "The Club"), and VIN etching (where your vehicle's Vehicle Identification Number is chemically etched onto all windows).
3. Tracking devices, such as Lo-Jack, which will help police track your car if it's stolen.
