South Lake Tahoe, CA- Police in South Lake Tahoe are noticing a disturbing new trend, auto thefts are on the rise. The South Lake Tahoe Police Department investigated 70 auto thefts last year, and all but 10 were stolen in our city. That’s a 30 % increase in the last two years, a 52% increase since 2008.

The majority of vehicles stolen in South Lake Tahoe are recovered locally. What’s worse is even with advancements in auto recovery and anti-theft devices this trend is still on the rise. Not surprisingly, police find most thieves are not that sophisticated, this isn’t the movie “Gone in 60 Seconds”. The vast majority of our stolen cars are stolen with the keys inside. Sometimes the owner just leaves them in there, sometimes the vehicles are left unattended warming up on a cold Tahoe morning. Rarely are the ignitions compromised, or the windows smashed to gain entry.

Here are 7 easy steps to avoid getting your car stolen;
1. Keep track of your keys
2. Lock your vehicle
3. Park in a well-lit area
4. Don’t leave valuables in your vehicle
5. Use a physical anti-theft device
6. Don’t leave your car running unattended-Get a remote start
7. Take advantage of a tech-based auto recovery tool

SLTPD asks you to be an observant neighbor and report suspicious behavior. We are working hard to address this rising crime, we can’t be everywhere! We need the community’s eyes, ears, and diligence to protect yourself and your property from theft.