Car Thefts on the Rise in Chico

Are you an owner of a Honda Civic or Honda Accord? If so, you need to read this! Honda Civics and Accords were the #1 most often stolen vehicle in 2010.

I just read a very interesting article in last week's issue of The Orion, C S U Chico's newspaper describing the increase in number of vehicles stolen in Chico. I empathize with Butte College Student Christine Schneider, whose Gray 2002 Ford Focus was stolen in the middle of the night. Christine was shaken awake by her roommate only to discover that her car was stolen. Christine's car had been broken into and ransacked. The thief got away with her purse, computer, textbooks and keys. Two days later, her car went missing too.

I know what it feels like to have your whole life lost in seconds because I was a victim too. My car was broken into and my personal items were stolen off the front seat.

According to the Chico Police Department, incidences of car theft in Chico have skyrocketed in the last two months. There were 17 thefts reported in December which increased to 32 by mid-January . The shocking part is that the majority of the car's taken were Honda's. Out of the 32 cars taken last month, 14 of them were Honda sedans, mostly because thieves want what's under the hood. Honda parts bring top dollar when sold on the street. A word of warning; just because you don't own a Honda, doesn't mean your out of the woods. Here is a list of the top 10 car models that are likely to go missing:

1994 Honda Accord

1995 Honda Civic

1989 Toyota Camry

1997 Ford F150 Pickup

2004 Dodge Ram Pickup

2000 Dodge Caravan

1996 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee

1994 Acura Integra

1999 Ford Taurus

2002 Ford Explorer

Here are 3 important ways you can protect yourself and your car from thieves:

1. Always lock your doors whether you will be out of the car for 5 hours, 5 minutes or 5 seconds.

2. BE SMART! Remove all valuables from your car when you're not inside it. Don't just cover up purses, sunglasses, laptops, digital cameras, cell phones or other electronics, put them away in the trunk.

3. Get to know your neighbors. Most stolen cars have been taken from neighborhoods and apartment complexes. If you see any suspicious activity in your community don't hesitate, call the police immediately at 530-898-5555.

For more information, check out the links below.

http://theorion.com/news/article_dc186960-2e9a-11e0-8c43-0017a78c22.html

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2010/09/honda-accord-civic-top-list-of-most-stolen-cars/1