Sept. 2, 2015
The Anchorage Police Department (APD) today released a statement saying stolen vehicle reports in July and August are up 60% over May and June, rising from 153 to 244.
Of the 397 vehicles reported stolen during the last four months, about 77% have been recovered.
As for the areas where thieves are taking cars, numbers are up in the Jewel Lake/Dimond Blvd. and Muldoon Rd/Boundary Ave areas. Click here to see a map that shows the parts of town where stolen vehicle reports have increased – shown in yellow and red. Blue and green show areas of decreased reports of stolen vehicles.
Preventing Vehicle Theft
· Take your key; don't leave it in or on your vehicle.
· Do not leave your vehicle running in your driveway to warm up – even if it’s locked. Have an auto/remote start installed in your vehicle.
· Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
· Park in well-lit areas - in a garage, if possible.
· Never leave valuables in your vehicle. Just because it locks, do not treat it like a safe.
As winter approaches, APD also advises people not to leave your car running with the keys inside.