Albuquerque Police Tackle Car Theft Surge as New Mexico Ranks 5th Nationally

Car thefts remain a significant issue in New Mexico, with the state ranking fifth in the nation for vehicle thefts, according to a report from Tires Easy. In the past year, over 10,000 vehicles were stolen across the state, equating to an alarming rate of 534 thefts per 100,000 vehicles—74% higher than the national average. This sharp increase highlights the ongoing challenges faced by car owners in the state.

Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, has seen its fair share of car thefts, but there has been a recent decline in incidents within the city. Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina confirmed the decrease, citing effective strategies implemented by the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) to combat the crime.

To tackle the growing problem, the APD has introduced a targeted approach to car theft prevention. One key initiative includes maintaining a dynamic list of repeat offenders, which is updated weekly. This list helps officers track individuals with a history of vehicle theft. In addition, the department has enhanced its bait car program, strategically positioning vehicles designed to catch thieves red-handed.

Hyundai and Kia vehicles have been particularly targeted by thieves, mirroring a national trend. In response, the APD has distributed steering wheel locks to owners of these vehicles to help reduce their vulnerability and prevent further thefts. These efforts are part of a larger strategy to address vehicle thefts and ensure the safety of car owners across the state.

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