The city of Modesto in California’s central valley is known for many things. It was the hometown of the murderous and philandering husband known as Scott Peterson, and also was the birthplace of Taco Bell.
Now it can add another jewel to its crown of
achievements—Auto Theft Capital of the U.S.A.
This title comes from a report done by the National Insurance Crime Bureau that studies which cities have the highest number of auto thefts per capita. While Modesto has tried to battle its auto theft problem in the past with things like bait cars that videotape robbers as they steal the car and then automatically disable themselves, the city still remains number one among car thieves
One problem it faces is that it is right in the center of the “Crystal Meth” heartland where a great deal of the devastating drug is manufactured. Addicts see auto theft or parts stripping as an easy way to get cash for more Meth. It all sort of becomes a vicious cycle which manifests itself in higher auto theft rates.
Beyond that, car owners in Modesto have few options. The NICB suggests that owners do the obvious things like never leave the keys in the ignition and always make sure to lock their doors and shut the windows.
So what is the answer for Modesto? Our thought is that perhaps if they went after the root cause of the problem, the Meth dealers, they will then see a downturn in auto theft as a result. If people don’t need money for that next fix, they are less likely to steal their neighbors Honda Civic to strip it for parts.
Regardless of how or if Modesto is able to take control of its auto theft problem, one thing is for sure. Always be sure to take your keys with you when you leave your car somewhere, you knuckleheads! Especially in Modesto!
Below is a list of the top ten auto theft cities as supplied by the National Insurance Crime Bureau—Is your city on the list?
1. Modesto, CA
2. Las Vegas, NV
3. San Diego, CA
4. Stockton, CA
5. San Francisco, CA
6. Laredo, TX
7. Albuquerque, NM
8. Phoenix, AZ
9. Yakima, WA
10.Tucson, AZ