Though a new report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau shows the total number of cars stolen in the U.S. decreased in 2010 for the seventh straight year, high car-theft rates in some cities may have led to auto insurance claims for many drivers.
Car thefts increased in each of those cities from 2009. However, numbers six through 10 on the NICB's report experienced declines in thefts. These cities included four additional California metros.
"While improved anti-theft technology and law enforcement efforts have had a significant impact on thefts, professional criminal rings and gangs are active in parts of the country and stopping them is the ongoing challenge," said Joe Wehrle, president and CEO of the NICB.
Population density affects rankings
Frank Scafidi, spokesman for the NICB, told MSNBC.com a likely reason why many California metros with average populations ended up at the top of the bureau's list is lower population density. He stated the higher the population is in a city, the lower the theft rate is likely to be.
"What they lose in Fresno or Modesto they lose at half-time at a Lakers game," Scafidi told the news source. "But L.A. never makes the top 10 because there are 18 million people down there."
He added while it may seem like California's high unemployment rate and other poor economic conditions may have contributed to the rise in car thefts, there is no statistical evidence to back that claim.
Auto thefts down, car components becoming new focus
Though vehicle thefts have fallen in the last year, Terri Miller, director of the Michigan-based Help Eliminate Auto Theft program, told MSNBC.com thieves are still stealing car parts at a high rate. Miller thinks this is likely due to improved car security systems and features.
"Cars are just getting harder to steal," Miller told the news source. However, items such as tires and rims are being easily sold on the black market.
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