Vehicle thefts on the rise in Bannock County

“Crime increases when it’s warmer,” Eric Anderson of the Pocatello Police Department said in regard to a recent spike in vehicle thefts.

Since January 1 of this year, 88 vehicles have been reported stolen in Bannock County, 28 of those since just April 9.

Thefts of cars, motorcycles and even trailers have risen significantly in the last month.

Anderson said that’s generally a trend they see this time of year. He encourages people to keep things locked up and stored in the garage if they have one.

“Just do your part,” he said. “Don’t leave the key in it, keep it locked up. Don’t leave it running while you run inside to grab your backpack.”

Anderson said these things can be avoided if you take the proper steps.

“Do everything you can to make the criminal’s job almost impossible,” he added.

Anderson said he believes the department finds most of the stolen vehicles, but the time frame and condition in which they are found is unpredictable.

To avoid thefts, Anderson reminds people to lock up and eliminate any easy opportunities for criminals.

“It’s the same advice I would give in six months,” Anderson said.