Police: Auto Thefts & Burglaries Usually Spike During Summer

“The most common time frame is going to be at the night time hours. Between midnight and six in the morning, we do see them as late as 8:00am and 9:00am,” said MPD Sgt. Alfredo Grimaldo. 

The crimes can also happen during the day, but it’s rare. Sgt. Grimaldo said many vehicles get stolen because owners leave their keys in the ignition or the doors opened. 

“40% of stolen vehicles were taken because the keys were left in the ignition. Most of them, I’d say at least 60%-70% were unlocked completely,” explained Sgt. Grimaldo. 

Police said apartment complexes, large parking lots, auto body shops, and driveways are where most vehicles get stolen in our area.  

Vision Audio tells Big 2 purchasing an alarm system can reduce auto thefts and burglaries by 55%. 

“It will deter them from breaking into the vehicle because there's a shock censor that will siren off and it would draw attention to the vehicle. Also, it has a status lad that flashes, so when they walk up to the vehicle they actually do know it has an alarm system in it," said Vision Audio manger Augustine Esquivel. 

A basic alarm system can cost $200. Esquivel said some insurance companies give their customers discounts on their auto policy when they install an alarm system.  

Police also said people have been more cautious this year and they've seen a decrease of auto thefts, which is uncommon during the summer.