Police identify top stolen cars in Topeka, ways to prevent auto theft
9:34 p.m. Sunday, September 7, 2008
When it comes to crime trends in Topeka, one of the biggest problems is stolen cars.
49 News sat down with police to find out what measures they're taking to protect citizens from auto theft, and to find out which vehicles are the biggest target.
The number-one stolen vehicle in Topeka from January to September is the Ford F-150. The years ranged from 1982 to 2006.
The second-most stolen vehicle was the Dodge Caravan, years ranging from 1991 to 2007.
The third most stolen was the Dodge Neon, from 1990 to 2003.
Police say for the most part the cars aren't being chopped up and sold for parts.
Police have launched a program called Hot Wheels.
Several times a week the police department posts a list of stolen vehicles to the Hot Wheels Web site.
You can sign up to receive notifications of stolen autos here.
A lot of the stolen cars are recovered, but there can be a lot of damage.
Police say they're using a different tactic to fight the vehicle break-ins.
It takes such a short amount of time to break into a car, that traditional patrols aren't as helpful.
Instead police are looking at which neighborhoods have the biggest problems and educating residents.
Safe Streets is also passing out The Club, a steering wheel bar-shaped lock.
Police also urge residents to lock their vehicles and remove personal valuables or lock them in the trunk.
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