The National Insurance Crime Bureau has ranked California as the "car thief capital" of the U.S.
The latest figures from the NCIB rank seven of the top ten cities in the state–Modesto, Stockton-Lodi, Oakland, Sacramento, Visalia-Tulare-Porterville, San Diego and Fresno–as top centers for auto theft. Figures are based on stolen cars per 100,000 inhabitants.
Seattle, Phoenix and Las Vegas round out the list.
In 2004, there was a slight drop in auto thefts nationally, following four years of steadily rising activity, according to Robert Bryant, NCIB chief executive officer.
"NCIB has attacked this problem through extensive efforts with the media and law enforcement in conducting a public awareness campaign," he said.
Sam Sorich, president of the Association of California Insurance Companies, said that his state is particularly appealing to car thieves because it borders Mexico and has numerous seaports. "These locations are often used for sending stolen vehicles out of the country," he said.
Authorities also cite street racing as an element in thefts by attracting car thieves who are after fast, expensive cars for their racing components.
Assemblyman Juan Vargas, D-San Diego, has introduced AB 1235 that would increase the minimum penalty for street racers from one to five years. It is now awaiting action in the state senate.
"The bill is a step in the right direction," said Mr. Sorich. "We will continue to look for other actions that will help authorities crack down on auto thefts in California."
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