New Mexico ranks fifth in car thefts, but Albuquerque police are reporting progress

START AT 830 THIS MORNING. Our state ranks fifth in car thefts. AFTER TEARS, SLIGHT PAIN. PELOSI COMES LIVE TO EXPLAIN HOW ALBUQUERQUE POLICE TRIED TO GO BACK. AND BEFORE THIS ISSUE. Good morning, PEYTON. Good morning, ROYALE. Yes, this is a big problem in New Mexico. Let me break down some of the numbers for you. LAST YEAR 10,000 VEHICLES WERE STOLEN IN NEW MEXICO. At a rate of 534 thefts per 100,000 cars. HERE IN NEW MEXICO. That is over 74% above the national average. That’s why we talked to boss HAROLD MEDINA about it yesterday. And here’s what he had to say. He says the entire state is facing the problem, but car theft is actually happening here in Albuquerque. Here’s what APD is doing to combat the problem. They have a weekly updated list of repeat offenders. They have revised their bait and car program to also catch thieves in the act. We also asked Medina what he thinks is behind all the thefts. I believe we have a drug problem. We have no resources for drug addicts and the motor vehicle is the mode of transport for many different crimes that occur in Albuquerque. The lack of strict penalties and the lack of holding individuals accountable is the main reason we have higher car theft rates than other regions. HYUNDAI AND KIA CARS WERE THE MOST STOLEN IN 2023, BUT CHIEF HAROLD MEDINA SAYS HIS DEPARTMENT HAS GIVEN THESE CAR OWNERS STEERING WHEEL LOCKS. REPORT

New Mexico ranks fifth in car thefts, but Albuquerque police are reporting progress

According to a report from Tires Easy, the state ranks fifth in the nation for vehicle thefts

Updated: December 4, 2024, 11:48 a.m. MST

According to a report from Tires Easy, car thefts continue to be a problem in New Mexico. The state ranks fifth in the nation for vehicle thefts, according to a report from Tires Easy. Last year alone, over 10,000 vehicles were stolen across New Mexico, a staggering rate of 534 thefts per 100,000 vehicles. This number is 74% higher than the national average, which poses a serious problem for car owners. Albuquerque, as the state’s largest city, has faced a number of challenges. However, Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina said there has been a decrease in car thefts in the city. The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) has developed a targeted approach to combat car theft. APD maintains a dynamic list of repeat offenders, updated weekly, to track people known for vehicle thefts, and the department has revamped its bait truck program, strategically placing vehicles to catch thieves in the act. Hyundai and Kia vehicles were the most targeted by thieves last year, reflecting a national trend. In response, APD has distributed steering wheel locks to the owners of these cars to reduce their vulnerability.

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico –

According to a report from Tires Easy, car thefts continue to be a problem in New Mexico. The state ranks fifth in the nation for vehicle thefts, according to a report from Tires Easy. Last year alone, over 10,000 vehicles were stolen across New Mexico, a staggering rate of 534 thefts per 100,000 vehicles. This number is 74% higher than the national average, which poses a serious problem for car owners.

Albuquerque, the state’s largest city, faced numerous challenges. However, Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina said there has been a decrease in car thefts in the city.

The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) has developed a targeted approach to combat car theft. APD maintains a dynamic list of repeat offenders, updated weekly, to track people known for vehicle thefts, and the department has revamped its bait truck program, strategically placing vehicles to catch thieves in the act.

Hyundai and Kia vehicles were the most targeted by thieves last year, reflecting a nationwide trend. In response, APD has distributed steering wheel locks to owners of these cars to reduce their vulnerability.