While the number of violent crimes (including homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) reported to local law enforcement agencies in the San Diego region dropped four percent between 2001 and 2002, in the same period, property-related offenses (burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft) rose four percent, according to SANDAG's annual report, Crime in the Region.

Larcenies involving items stolen from vehicles jumped 24 percent between 2000 and 2002, from 17,916 to 22,229. During the same time span, larcenies overall rose just 11 percent. According to law enforcement experts, the recent rise in property-related offenses can be attributed to the sagging economy, more offenders being released into the community from jail and prison, and an increase in "identity theft" related cases.

With identity theft becoming one of the fastest growing crime problems in the nation, theft of property from inside vehicles is considered a major avenue to acquiring the items needed to accomplish these crimes.

Wallets, briefcases, purses, and personal laptop computers, containing account numbers, drivers' licenses, credit cards, and other forms of identification are just some of the articles thieves find inviting when left in autos. Pickpocketing and purse snatching, as well as theft from buildings, give a means of gaining access to items needed to commit identity theft-related offenses.

Public safety officials suggest taking the following measures to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft:

• Always lock your vehicle, and consider using anti-theft devices.
  
• Don't leave anything with personal or identification information visible in your car;
  
• and remember, you could be observed when putting items in the trunk.
  
• Always report suspicious activity to police.
  
• Shred documents, bills, and statements containing personal information.
  
• Stop mail delivery when on vacation.
  
• If you carry a purse, keep your wallet and keys in an inside pocket of your clothing.
  

Law enforcement experts also recommend making copies of items in your wallet to help you report loss in case you do become a victim.

To access the full report, Crime in the San Diego Region Annual 2002, please visit the SANDAG Web site, or contact the Criminal Justice Research Division at (619) 595-5312.

Project Manager: Dr. Cynthia Burke
(619) 595-5361