Auto Theft During COVID-19 Not a Big Problem in Yakima

Yakima Police say they're not seeing a big increase in auto thefts like other cities. With more people staying home their vehicles are parked making them an easy target for theft. It's happening in other cities. For example car theft shot up 63% in New York and nearly 17% in Los Angeles from Jan. 1 through mid-May, compared with the same period last year. But in Yakima the most recent numbers available show while auto theft is still a problem it's not out of control.
In April Yakima Police reported 39 auto thefts compared to 45 during the same month last year. So far this month 30 vehicles have been stolen compared to May of 2019 when 42 auto thefts were reported within Yakima City limits. Yakima Police say many people know auto theft is a problem so they lock car doors. But others are careless and that leads to theft.
On average 500 to 600 vehicle are stolen in the city of Yakima every year.