Got a Car? Be Careful It Could Be Ripped Off in Yakima

Vehicle theft is a big headache and a big problem for drivers and police. In fact on average Yakima Police see anywhere from 500 to 700 stolen vehicles every year. Many are stolen during the fall and winter months when people warm up vehicles and leave them unlocked. The Yakima County Sheriff's has the same problem in the county.

MANY CARS ARE STOLEN FOR JOY RIDES AND ARE FOUND HOURS LATER

About the same amount of vehicles are stolen each year in the county as well. Authorities say a lot of times vehicles are stolen for "joy rides" and are found crashed hours later.
Others are stolen because of valuable parts. Yakima county Sheriff's Deputies have been busy finding many of the stolen vehicles abandoned in the lower valley.

IT'S EASY TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND NOT BECOME A VICTIM

The office is active on Twitter and a tweet on Wednesday reminded drivers to  lock vehicles, don't leave keys in the ignition or on a passenger seat and don't leave anything of value in the car including purses, backpacks, wallets or guns.
Stolen guns are a big problem in Yakima. In fact last year the Yakima Police Department created a video on social media and they're asking for your help to cut serious crime by locking up your firearms whether you're at home or in your vehicle.

MANY STOLEN GUNS COME FROM CAR PROWLS AND CAR THEFT

Making sure your gun is locked while in your vehicle is vitally important say police because they say 50% of all guns stolen in Yakima come from vehicle prowls. Authorities say the guns are then used on the street in many serious crimes including gang related shootings.
Authorities say do everything you can to prevent becoming a victim.