Since the first of the year, the Antelope Valley has seen a spike in vehicle thefts. These thefts are occurring in both neighborhoods and in business districts. Although vehicle thefts are primarily occurring in the mid-city of both Lancaster and Palmdale, thefts have also been happening in the east and west portions of the cities as well.
Both stations have arrested numerous individuals for vehicle theft and have ended, through arrests, several "chop shops" in the area. Chop shops are locations where stolen cars are taken by thieves and dismantled for their seats, engines and scrap metal. The various pieces are then sold off.
By far, the most stolen vehicles in the valley are Hondas, comprising more than a third of all stolen vehicles. The Sheriff's Department would like to remind people what they can do to maintain their safety and the safety of their property:
Do not allow your vehicle to warm up in your driveway. This makes for an easy theft of the vehicle.
Ensure that your vehicle is always locked and the windows rolled up when leaving the vehicle for any length of time.
When parking in a business area, find a spot that is well-lit and be aware of anyone loitering in and around the lot.
Both Sheriff's stations believe these simple rules and being aware of your surroundings can help reduce not just auto theft, but all crimes. The public is encouraged to provide information regarding these or any crimes directly to the Palmdale Sheriff's Station by calling 661-272-2400, or they can report it anonymously by contacting "Crime Stoppers" at 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
To receive detailed, up-to-date information directly from Palmdale Station via e-mail, register for "Nixle" alerts at www.Nixle.com and register for "LASD-Palmdale Station, Los Angeles County Sheriff" and also register for LASD-HQ Newsroom (SHB). Or, text your zip code to 888777 to receive text alerts only. Standard text messaging rates may apply, depending on your calling plan.
Prepared by Deputy Jodi Wolfe
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