Car thefts are up and many are searching for the causes. Crime is up in record numbers in general. Gun violence is in the news for it’s spike along with other types of increases such as homeless encampment fires. Some in law enforcement are blaming officer shortage or a change in legislation which prevents officer-involved car chases.
There has been a 99% increase in the number of vehicles stolen in March. According to data coming from the state there have been 26,520 vehicles stolen in 2020 and 31.032 vehicles taken last year. Data collectors from the states say that if the current trend continues, more than 50,000 vehicles will be stolen by the end of the year.
Taking a closer look at the numbers by county, some auto thefts are happening more in some than others. Below are counties that logged an auto theft rate that exceeded 1,000 in the first three months of 2022:
4,243 vehicles stolen in King County.
2,759 vehicles taken in Pierce County.
1,150 vehicles stolen in Clark County.
A statewide group that has analyzed the data states that new legislation that prevents car chase coincide with the spike in auto thefts. A member of the group said that officers cannot start a pursuit without first having probable cause.
Those who may have voted for the legislation ending police car chases to pass may point to the number of highly publicized car chases and the injury and deaths that happen as a result of vehicles in hot pursuit down residential streets.
