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Auto thefts increase across Idaho, jump 24.8 percent in Boise

Posted at 5:12 PM, Jun 16, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-16 19:12:44-04

Last year, 1,629 vehicles were reported stolen across Idaho, according to the FBI's Uniform Crimes Report -- that's more than four vehicles stolen per day and nearly two stolen each hour. 

Boise Police say a total of 357 cars were reported stolen in Boise in 2016 -- up nearly 25 percent from the previous year. 

"We leave our keys in our car and we leave our car unlocked...that's one that we see frequently," said Ed Fritz, Crime Prevention Supervisor with the Boise Police Department. "Or we loan our vehicle to an acquaintance or a family member and they end up never ever coming back with the vehicle."

But it's not just neighborhood cars. Thieves have targeted dealerships and car rental companies, as well. 

Boise Police do have several tips for car owners eager for their vehicles not to contribute to the statistics. 

"Don't leave your keys in your car, lock up your car and be very cautious of who you're giving your vehicle to, who you're loaning your vehicle to," Fritz said. 

Auto theft also jumped 27 percent in Pocatello last year and climbed 19 percent in Coeur D'Alene. 

And as the weather warms up, police want to remind the community to close windows and garage doors and to lock bicycles when not in use, to prevent theft.