BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The Sheriff’s Office noted a significant increase in the number of vehicle thefts in the past three weeks. Overall the Metropolitan Bakersfield area averaged about 100 vehicle thefts a month. In October 2009 this jumped to 135 for the month, a roughly 35 percent increase. By and large the vehicles are mostly stolen in Oildale and the eastern Bakersfield area.

By far Hondas and similar Asian made vehicles are the largest proportion of these thefts, accounting for an average of over 30 percent of the stolen cars over the past five months and increased to over 40 percent of the stolen vehicles in October. There are probably many reasons for this but the Sheriff’s Office believes the largest reason is that the Asian imports are simply easier to steal than many other vehicles.

The Sheriffs Office strongly encourages owners of all vehicles, but especially Hondas and similar vehicles to take preventative steps to help discourage a thief from selecting your car for theft. If a thief really wants you specific car there are very few things that can be done to prevent the theft. However, most thefts in this area are done on the basis of opportunity. A thief wants to get out of the area quickly, so the more you can do to slow down the theft, the more likely it is the thief will look for an easier target.

Deterrence and Delay are the keys. First install a alarm and with a siren, not a honking horn. If your alarm goes off, don’t ignore it. At the very least use a steering wheel locking device which is plainly visible. Install an ignition cut-off switch or fuel cut-off switch so the car can not be started or won’t go very far if they try to steal it.

If you purchase aftermarket items like GPS, stereos, amplifiers and rims make sure you engrave the items with your driver’s license number, preferably in a visible location. Marking items is a deterrent and if the items are stolen the markings will make it simpler to identify the thief(s) and get your property back. Custom rims are the most frequent target in vehicle thefts and you must etch identifying information onto the rim. Do not leave anything inside the car. Many vehicles are being stolen to get the wallets, purses, briefcases, identification and other items being left in the car.

Finally, colder weather is quickly approaching. Traditionally during the winter months auto thefts increase because of people begin warming up the vehicles in the driveway or garage. Never leave the vehicle once it is started, not even for the ten seconds you think it will take for you to go inside and get a cup of coffee. That is all the time the thief needs.