In its most recent Hot Spots analysis, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reports a continuing national trend of waning vehicle thefts. 

The Des Plaines, Ill.-based organization will publish final numbers this fall but has already reported that 2011 shows another consecutive year of progress. Although four of the top 10 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) logged more thefts last year—an additional 925 collectively—the remaining six posted fewer by comparison—2,017 fewer, collectively. 

Another continuing trend is that the majority of thefts occur west of the Mississippi. California accounts for 12 of the 20 worst cities for vehicle theft, mostly in central California, which has struggled with dwindling law enforcement budgets in a down economy. However, police in Fresno, which consistently tops the infamous list, have been successful in driving down auto thefts this year. Fresno police told The Fresno Bee that through March of 2012, thefts were down by 37 percent.