Car Thefts Decline in Memphis

MEMPHIS, TN - Early numbers show a surprising drop in car thefts in the Mid-South.
The FBI says the number of stolen cars in the US is down nearly 15%, but the decrease in the City of Memphis is even more impressive.

Almost 800 fewer cars have been stolen in Memphis compared to last year. Don't feel relieved just yet, however, certain types of cars are more likely to be stolen, and there are steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau calls them "Hot Wheels." They're the rides most often reported stolen.
Topping the list for 2008: the 1994 Honda Accord, followed by the 1995 Honda Civic, the 1989 Toyota Camry, the 1997 Ford F-150 Pickup and the 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup.
Memphis Police Department Director Larry Godwin says it's the same story here in the Mid-South.

"When an individual steals a car and goes and commits a crime,” Godwin says. “You have to understand that's what they're doing. They want a car that's going to be less conspicuous. They know they can get out there and they can blend in."

That's why these popular models also catch the eyes of crooks.
Fewer cars are being stolen, however. Godwin says car thefts in Memphis are down more than 23.5% compared to last year.

"Auto thefts are down in Memphis,” he said. “But I think that it's still a problem that we face every year, between auto thefts and auto break ins."
But he thinks programs in place to cut down on these crimes are working.

Godwin says he can't specifically name areas where numbers of car break-ins and thefts are high, because these criminals are very mobile. He says people need to do their part to protect their things.

"Number 1, don't leave your keys in the car,” he said. “Number 2, lock your vehicle, secure everything in there. Don't leave packages, don't do all the things we tell you not to. Stow it, don't show it. Don't give them a reason to get in that car."
If you want to learn about how bad the stolen car numbers are where you live, we have an easy way for you to do it. For real time crime updates - that means updated to the minute - just head to the home page of our website Myeyewitnessnews.com and click on "Spot Crime" on the left-hand side.


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