Cars are still hot in Detroit, Mich., but not like they used to be.

According to the annual report of the Automobile Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA), Detroit once again saw an overall decrease in vehicle thefts from 2009 to 2010. The 5.2-percent decrease continues the trend of waning incidents in the state, despite the fact that Detroit is still the highest ranking city in Michigan for auto thefts.

Auto theft incidents have decreased across the state the past four years running. Michigan is now ranked as the sixth state with highest motor vehicle thefts in the nation. From ATPA's inception in 1986 to 2010, Michigan auto thefts have dropped by 6.7 percent, compared to a decrease in auto thefts nationally of only 39.8 percent.

Michigan's other large cities with the highest decreases in auto theft from 2009 to 2010 include Harper Woods, with a 50-percent decrease; Sterling Heights, with a 36.8-percent decrease; and Kalamazoo, with a 32.1-percent decrease. Meanwhile, some pockets in the state saw an uptick in auto theft during that same time. For instance, Lansing reported a 20.6-percent increase, while Kenton Co. saw a 15.9-percent increase.

Wayne County topped the list of Mich. counties with 61.2 percent of total state thefts in 2010. October, November, and December were once again the months with the highest auto theft figures. Topping Michigan's most stolen vehicle list is the 2000 Dodge Ram pickup truck. Popular colors among thieves once again include black, white, and red.

Although auto thefts are declining, related crimes, such as component theft and insurance fraud, are on the rise, according to Help Eliminate Auto Thefts (H.E.A.T.).

“With continued partnership between citizens, law enforcement, the insurance industry, and agencies such as H.E.A.T. and the ATPA, we expect to see rates of auto theft continue to decline,” says Terri Miller, director of H.E.A.T.

Source: H.E.A.T.

Special Reports /

Michigan Auto Theft Declines for Fourth Consecutive Year

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