There were 32 vehicle thefts throughout the city of Menifee in the month of July, according to the Menifee Police Department. The thefts include motor vehicles, travel trailers, and regular trailers. Six of the thefts involved ignition keys being left in the vehicle, sometimes while running. Criminals will often take the path of least resistance. Having the keys to a car makes for an easy target.
The police department is asking residents to work together to help reduce vehicle thefts in the city by always taking your keys with you, never leaving your unoccupied vehicle running, closing all windows and lock all doors, parking in well-lit areas, keeping your vehicle in your garage if possible, and never leaving valuables in your vehicle, especially where they can be seen.
According to the California Highway Patrol, the average rate of theft in 2019 was one vehicle every 3.5 minutes. In 2019, 151,244 vehicles were stolen, at an estimated total value of approximately $1.2 billion. Of the vehicles stolen in 2019, 46.1 percent were automobiles, 41.2 percent were personal trucks and sport utility vehicles, 5.4 percent were commercial trucks and trailers, and 4.9 percent were motorcycles. All other vehicles (recreational vehicles, construction and farm equipment, special construction, etc.) accounted for 2.4 percent of thefts.
