Car thefts up in Merced; police say use caution

The number of cars stolen this year is up by 45 percent compared with the same time last year, the Merced Police Department reported Wednesday.

So police are asking residents to take precautions to make sure cars are secured. Nearly half of all auto theft is due to driver error, according to a news release, such as leaving keys in the car.

Police say to use common sense when parking a car:

▪ Always take the car keys.

▪ Close the windows and lock the doors.

▪ Park in well-lit areas.

▪ Never leave valuables in the car, especially where they can be seen.

▪ Never leave the area while the car is running.

▪ Keep the car in a garage if possible.

Criminals who steal cars are looking for parts or valuables, or to use the car for other crimes, police said.

In 2013, there were nearly 700,000 motor vehicles reported stolen in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Nearly 45 percent of the vehicles are never recovered. The estimated total value of vehicles stolen nationwide is about $4.1 billion.

This story was originally published August 12, 2015 at 6:50 PM with the headline "Car thefts up in Merced; police say use caution."