Auto Theft Numbers Drop But Still High In City Of Yakima

Auto theft remains a big problem in the city of Yakima but police say they're seeing a small drop in thefts so far this year when compared to the same time in 2015. Yakima Police spokesman Mike Bastinelli says between January 1 & August 15 2015 we had 394 vehicle thefts. So far this year the number stands at 351. "We at one time were in the top ten in the nation and we've made significant progress. The numbers are still to high but but you look at the trend and we're seeing a drop." If you're concerned about your vehicle being stolen Yakima Police are hoping you'll get involved in the program called Watch Your Car. Drivers sign up at yakimapolice.org or at the police station and recieve a sticker to place on a vehicle. And when an officer spots that sticker, if your vehicle isn't supposed to be anywhere but your driveway or garage the officer could then stop the vehicle and possibly recover your stolen car. You can sign up on line at yakimapolice.org or in person at the Yakima Police Department. The program is free.
Bastinelli says a majority of cars are stolen between the hours and 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.