Car thefts on the rise in Idaho

According to a recent report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, nearly 1,400 vehicles were stolen in Idaho in 2015. That’s a 16 percent increase statewide from 2014.

The report showed there was a seven percent increase in car thefts in Pocatello. Pocatello police said they have seen an increase, but not seven percent.

“According to our statistics, in 2014 there were 121 vehicles reported stolen and in 2015, which is the last year statistics are available, there was 159 reported stolen,” said Dianne Brush, community services specialist with Pocatello police.

Brush said the biggest reason they see such a problem with car thefts in the area is simply because people are careless with their cars.

Brush said car theft is one crime that’s hard for police to prevent – it has to be up to the drivers.

The police department said stolen vehicles are often crimes of opportunity, so don’t make it easy on thieves.

“Most stolen vehicles that we have here in Pocatello could be prevented if people don’t leave their keys in their cars, be careful who you lend your car to, don’t be driving under the influence and then have someone else say they’re going to drive you home and they drop you off and you don’t get your car back,” Brush said. “That’s several of the calls that we’ve seen.”

Brush said never leave cars unattended and running, no matter how fast you think it will be. She also recommends being careful giving rides to people. Tuesday morning the department had a call from a woman reporting her car stolen. Her son had the car and gave two people a ride. Those two people then kicked the son out of the car and took it. Brush said cases like these are why it’s important to be extra careful and smart with your vehicle.

The report from the Crime Bureau ranked the top five Idaho cities based on the highest car theft rates. Pocatello came in second. Number one was Lewiston, Coeur d’Alene was third, and Boise was fourth. Idaho Falls also made the list at number five.