Crime Report: In Zone 4, Vehicle Larcenies are Down yet Auto Thefts are Up Year-To-Date

The year to date statistics of car thefts in our area (Zone 4) shows a steep decline in the number of automobile larcenies.  The decline of 29% is the 2nd largest decrease across the metro area, according to the report provided by the Atlanta Police Department.

In contrast, the number of vehicle thefts this year in Zone 4 compared to the same period of time last year has increased nearly 7.5%.

Citywide, auto thefts rose by 4.48%, while vehicle larcenies actually went down by 3.42%.

While you can't prevent all auto thefts or break-ins, APD says you can minimize the risk of making your vehicle an attractive target.

The department has been pushing its "Clean Car Campaign" for several months now and advises that you sweep your vehicles of anything that might make it tempting to break into it:

• Remove GPS and mounts
• Remove mobile phones
• Remove laptops and tablets
• Remove all power cords and power sources for your electronics
• Remove all shopping bags, briefcases, duffel bags and purses
• Don't leave wallets, loose change or currency out in open view
• If you have a gun in your vehicle, don't leave it there
• And while there's been some philosophical debate from some vehicle owners who leave their vehicles unlocked, APD says you should always lock your doors.
• It's best to sweep your vehicle before you get to your destination, not after.

As far as stolen vehicles go, the Honda Accord is the No. 1 stolen vehicle in Georgia and nationally, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. The data is from 2010, the most recent figures available.

Rounding out the Top 5 both in Georgia and across the country are Honda Civics, Toyota Camrys, Ford F150 pickup trucks and Chevrolet pickups, the NICB says.

Here's how the NICB breaks it down:

Most Stolen: Georgia -2010

Rank Make/Model Model Year 1. Honda Accord 1996 2. Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) 1996 3. Honda Civic 2000 4. Ford F150 Series (Pickup) 1997 5. Toyota Camry 1999 6. Dodge Caravan 1999 7. Dodge Ram 2003 8. Ford Explorer 2002 9. Ford Taurus 1997 10. Chevrolet Impala 2004
Most Stolen: USA - 2010
Rank Make/Model Model Year 1. Honda Accord 1994 2. Honda Civic 1995 3. Toyota Camry 1991 4. Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size) 1999 5. Ford F150 Series/Pickup 1997 6. Dodge Ram 2004 7. Dodge Caravan 2000 8. Acura Integra 1994 9. Ford Explorer 2002 10. Ford Taurus 1999

If it's any consolation, eight of the Top 10 metro areas for stolen vehicles are in California. The remaining two slots in the Top 10 are in Washington State.

Metro Atlanta ranks 30th behind metro Macon, which is No. 14 and metro Columbus, No. 20.