Vehicle Thefts Down in Virginia

This story was written by Rachel Hatzipanagos.

Car thefts are down in Virginia, the Washington Post reports.

Virginia reported 9,616 vehicle thefts, a decrease from the previous year of 7.49 percent, according to statistics from Virginia State Police.

This is the lowest number of thefts in the last 37 years, the compilation of statistics from the state’s Help Eliminate Auto Theft program (H.E.A.T).

The Washington Posts cites increased technology in helping deter thieves from cars.

Indeed, the most popular cars stolen in Virginia are all late 1990s models, according to state police:

1. 1996 Jeep Cherokee
2. 1994 Honda Accord
3. 1994 Dodge Caravan
4. 1999 and 2000 Honda Civic
5. 1998 Ford Taurus

According to the report, June through August are the months where auto theft is most prevalent, accounting to 30 percent of reported thefts for the year.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau, a nonprofit that works to  prevent insurance fraud and vehicle theft, recommends various tactics to preventing auto theft, including an audible alarm and tracking device.

Read more about theft prevention.