Cars Thefts Continues to Rise in Yakima

The stolen car problem continues in the city of Yakima. Yakima Police Capt. Rod Light says so far this year 616 vehicles have been stolen within Yakima city limits and before the year is over the total could equal upwards of 750.  Light says the problem is with the state's sentencing laws especially for first time offenders.

Light says in order to get tougher laws changes need to be made on the state level until that happens police will do all they can to prevent the thefts.  But ultimately light says it's up to vehicle owners to protect themselves from theft by taking extra precautions like purchasing a steering wheel lock and or an alarm system.