Tucson is notorious for being one of the top cities for auto theft rates in the United States, but in recent years, auto theft rates have decreased dramatically.

In Tucson, auto thefts have dropped 14 percent since 2007 and 21 percent since 2006 and figures from the FBI show that the number of auto thefts is decreasing across the country as well.

Officer Chuck Rydzak of the Tucson Police Department believes that police efforts are some of the causes for the drop in auto thefts.

“One of them is the public awareness; going through the media and getting the message out to the public in ways to protect their vehicle,” he said. “Knowing which vehicles are highest on the lists that are quite normally stolen.”

At the top of that list is the Honda Accord which is followed by the Dodge Ram 1500. Typically, the older model vehicles are the most targeted because they lack advanced anti-theft technology.

“I rely on an alarm and then I also have an anti-theft system on my vehicle,” said Lisa MacHue. “If you don’t have the little mechanism when you try to start the car, it won’t start with just the key.”

Rydzak attributes the technology to what is making it difficult for car thieves to steal a vehicle.

“The technology of the vehicles themselves, and as we progress in years, newer and newer vehicles are coming out,” he said. “The more difficult to steal; the harder to get into without damaging too much.”

According to Tucson Police statistics, 5,808 vehicles were stolen in 2008. Rydzak said TPD is hoping for lower numbers for 2009 which is possible if people follow a few simple tips.

“Don’t make yourself an easy target, don’t leave your keys in the vehicle,” he said. “Secure your vehicle the best you can.”

He also said using steering wheel clubs and removing valuable items from the vehicle will reduce the chance of a vehicle being stolen.

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