Statewide auto theft prevention effort kicks-off as car thefts rise in El Paso

A new statewide auto theft campaign has kicked-off in El Paso.

The Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority announced the campaign Monday morning at the Northeast Regional Command Center on Dyer Street.

With rising auto theft rates, the campaign is designed to educate motorists on steps they can take to avoid having their vehicles stolen.

Here are some car theft statistics:

El Paso seeing a 6% increase in theft from 2018 About 320 vehicles have been stolen this year 90% of vehicles stolen were left unlocked Recovery rate is between 35% – 40% Auto theft has gone down from peak in late 80’s /early 90’s when El Paso had 150 vehicles stolen per week At one point El Paso was ranked #1 in the U.S. for car theft Most stolen vehicle is Chevy Silverado Officials suggest putting a steering wheel lock – so it adds as a second deterrent for car thieves Summer is when we see a spike in car thefts Many stolen vehicles end up in Mexico — pick up trucks are the most common vehicles stolen.