Auto thefts reported to police in Colorado dipped 40 percent between 2005 and 2007, partly because of a stronger focus on preventing and solving those crimes and tougher penalties in at least one community.
Auto thefts, which totaled 25,315 in 2005, dropped to 16,353 in 2007, according to statewide crime figures released by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
The drop in auto thefts led to an overall 19 percent drop in major crimes across the state over the same period. Homicides have dipped 12 percent since 2005, burglary is down 17 percent, while forcible rape is down 1 percent over the two year period. Law enforcement officials credit the overall drop to public involvement and an increasing use of DNA evidence to solve property crimes, not just murders and rapes.
The drop in auto thefts led to an overall 19 percent drop in major crimes across the state over the same period. Homicides have dipped 12 percent since 2005, burglary is down 17 percent, while forcible rape is down 1 percent over the two year period. Law enforcement officials credit the overall drop to public involvement and an increasing use of DNA evidence to solve property crimes, not just murders and rapes.