Yesterday, the CHP announced vehicle theft is in its third year of decline, the largest decrease in more than 10 years.

According to the CHP’s statistics, there was a 12.2 percent decrease in the number of vehicle thefts statewide in 2008. Of the close to 200,000 reported stolen vehicles in California last year, 86.8 percent of those vehicles were recovered. Sierra County showed the biggest reduction in the percentage of vehicles stolen; conversely, Mono County had a 133.3 percent increase.

So how does North Sacramento stack up?

Between January 2008 and July 2008, North Sacramento had a total of 514 stolen vehicles. During the same span this year – January 2009 to July 2009 – North Sac had a total of 415 stolen vehicles; a 19-percent decrease from last year’s total.

This doesn’t mean we can let up. The CHP recommends parking vehicles in well-lit, populated areas to deter vehicle theft. Other deterrents include not warming up or leaving your vehicle unattended, considering a visable or audible device that alerts thieves the vehicle is protected, and immobilizng devices to prevent thieves from bypassing the ignition and hot-wiring the vehicle.

Heads up Honda and Toyota owners; your cars continue to be popular among car thieves.