It’s always a good idea to lock up your vehicle, especially since you never know who might try to get in. According to a report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau, these Massachusetts communities had the highest rates of car thefts last year. Data is based on the National Crime Information Center’s reports for each metropolitan statistical area in the country.
A total of 765,484 reported vehicles were stolen in 2016 and while 2017 is estimated to have a higher number, car theft is down drastically in the country since the 1990s.NICB recommends these “common sense” security tips to keep your car safe:
- Remove your keys from the ignition
- Lock your doors/close your windows
- Park in a well-lit area
- Remove your keys from the ignition
- Lock your doors/close your windows
- Park in a well-lit area Department
Below is a list of communities that saw the highest per capita auto theft rates.
No. 6 – Barnstable Town, MA Metropolitan Statistical Area
Probably the most surprising entry in the report for the state. The Barnstable area makes the list because of the small population compared to the car theft rate.
2017 thefts – 96
2017 rate – 44.98
No. 5 – Pittsfield, MA Metropolitan Statistical Area
The Pittsfield Police Department has said that thieves strike cars in warmer weather, but typically move on if the car is locked.
2017 thefts – 63
2017 rate – 49.88
No. 4 – Worcester, MA-CT Metropolitan Statistical Area
As we move into a bigger city, the number of car thefts jumps.
2017 thefts – 666
2017 rate – 70.67
No. 3 – Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Metropolitan Statistical Area
The Boston area saw a staggering number of thefts last year. These two officers were honored for stopping a suspect who was looking into cars. After a foot chase, they stopped him and found a gun as well.
2017 thefts – 5,097
2017 rate – 105.39
No. 2 – Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Metropolitan Statistical Area
This area reaches into Rhode Island, but there are still a heavy amount of reported car thefts.
2017 thefts – 2,280
2017 rate – 140.64
No. 1 – Springfield, MA Metropolitan Statistical Area
The Springfield Police Department said majority of car theft and break-ins happened because the victims did not lock their doors.
2017 thefts – 1,027
2017 rate – 162.59
National rankings
While Springfield had the highest per capita auto theft rate, it didn’t make the top 200 list nationwide.
Below are the top 10 communities across the country for auto thefts.
source:-masslive.c
