Automobile thefts drop in Phoenix

PHOENIX — After years as a top hot spot, car theft continues to drop in the Valley.

According to 2011 statistics from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the Phoenix-Mesa-Glendale area is No. 60 in auto theft.

Tucson is No. 37. The top 10 is filled with California cities with Fresno at No. 1.

Phoenix Police Officer James Holmes said technology is a big reason behind the drop.

“GPS on vehicles, OnStar, we also have Lojack and that’s not only allowing us to recover vehicles faster, but it’s also a deterrent,” he said.

Holmes said keyless locks and keyless ignition have also made a notable difference.

But there remain some Valley hot spots, said Glendale Detective Bret McLeod. The Arrowhead Town Center at 83rd Avenue and Bell Road and the area near Cabela’s, off the Loop 101 and west Glendale Avenue in Glendale.

“There’s a variety of vehicles on any given day and both are close to freeways which provide for quick getaways,” he said.

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