Vehicle Theft Declines in Humboldt County
UPDATE: NOTE: This information had already been published in March. We reprinted it through an error.
Information from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:
Humboldt County saw a decline in the number of stolen vehicles reported in 2018. In 2017, there were 721 reported stolen vehicles in Humboldt County. In 2018, there were 569.
Stolen Vehicle Statistics 2018 Law Enforcement Agency # of Stolen Vehicle Reports Arcata 64 CHP (which includes HCSO) 254 Eureka 203 Ferndale 0 Fortuna 34 Rio Dell 14 Total: 569
A significant number of vehicles stolen out of Humboldt County are taken with their very own ignition key. This is often the result of unsuspecting victims leaving their vehicles running while unattended or leaving a spare key with the vehicle. Pre-1999 Honda and Toyota passenger cars, along with Toyota trucks, are being stolen with a similar worn key due to their worn ignition switches. A small percentage of vehicles stolen are due to the steering column being broken to the point where the ignition can be started. Approximately 80 percent of vehicles stolen out of Humboldt County are recovered, however they are usually stripped of anything valuable. Garage door openers are also stolen at the same time making victims more susceptible to future home burglaries.
Protect yourself from becoming the victim of vehicle theft by following these easy tips:
- If you own a pre-1999 Honda or Toyota or find your ignition switches worn and loose on any vehicle, consider replacing the old ignition switch.
- Always remove all property of perceived value from the interior of your vehicle that can be seen from the outside – this includes change in the console.
- Remove hidden keys from your vehicle.
- Consider adding a motion light in the area where the vehicle is parked at your residence or work place if you work after dark.
- Never leave your car running with the keys inside, even if it is to heat up your vehicle on a cold day.
- Always lock your vehicle doors, even in your driveway, and take your keys with you.
Another trend of auto theft is through residential burglaries. Most of us walk in to our home and hang the key on a rack exposed to those who want to take our vehicles. Change the location where you store your keys and keep them out of sight. The more cautious you become, the less likely you are to become a victim.
NOTE: This information had already been published in March. We reprinted it through an error.
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I must be old. I remember when there weren’t any.
It is so refreshing to see this critical information being provided to the public. Often this info is suppressed for fear of “victim blaming”. Thanks to HCSO and as always Kym!
It is slightly funny that the most liberal city in the country Arcata, claim made by Arcata, had 64, and ferndale arguably the most conservative town in the county had 0. Granted Arcata has 14 times the population but still just funny
Correlation versus causation. You figure it out.
It’s funny that you think that’s funny.
the funny part is that most of the arrestee’s are from Eureka.
That makes sense, Eureka has the highest concentration of poor people, poor people commit these kinds of crimes, rich people commit more white collar crimes.
Driving a stick keeps your scene out of the ability of many infiltrators.
Curious as to how many weren’t reported, don’t trust these numbers, what so ever….
Maybe they could move the bus stop where the pelican bay inmates get off
to Redding or Santa Rosa from eureka,
or only allow them to get off here, if they have a legitimate job lined up.
Might cut back a lot on the crime around here.
On todays episode of goosestepping with gavin…
How to create a class of people dependent on government assistance.
It must be from good policing right?
NOT!!!
I think it’s due to
Not as much to steal in cars arround these parts anymore.
Regulation has seen to that.
In the past even the most beat up piece of crap car could contain thousands of dollars, and party favors for thieves to pilfer.
Now, not so much…
Thieves are moving toward richer pickings elsewhere.
Soft target city has lost its luster.
The haves will be fine, while the most of you will slip and fall down the poverty hole.
No extra dough in our community means..
Helping gavin prove his point…
You people are not able to function without government assistance.
His self fulfilling prophecy!
Wake up American!
To all the naysayers doubting that legalizing cannabis would reduce crime, here ya go!
(Sarcastic font….I think)
Even more – those who complain about the devastating effects of regulation of pot growing creating economic hardship and more crime- there you don’t go.
There’s alot of contributing factors at play with statistics. Good to see the decrease , yet it will take several years to gauge an actual transistion on car theft. Next year you may even see higher stats than the ones reported in 2017. Look at any line graph of statistical information and you will inevitably see ups and downs in the percentages. They usually draw averages over a ten year period to measure growth and decreases.