L.A. NO. 1 IN CAR THEFT BIG PICTURE VEHICLE STOLEN EVERY 7 MINUTES IN CITY.

Byline: Josh Kleinbaum Staff Writer

More vehicles were stolen in Los Angeles in 2004 than anywhere in the country, although cars were more likely to be stolen in 20 other cities, a report released today says.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau said 73,071 cars were stolen in Los Angeles, about 53 percent more than the 40,749 thefts in second-place Chicago. But Los Angeles' per-capita total of 767.61 per 100,000 residents put it 21st behind such cities as Modesto, Stockton, San Diego, Miami and Denver.

Still, seven of the 10 top auto-theft areas are in California, including five in the Central Valley.

``California has seen a steady increase in auto theft over the last five years,'' said Chief Adam Cuevas, commander of the California Highway Patrol's enforcement services division. ``There are very often crimes related to auto theft, everything from robbery to a myriad of other crimes.

``We have done everything we can in our power, with our limited resources, to solve the problem.''

In Los Angeles, car thefts fell by more than 2,000 from 2003, dropping it from 16 to 21 in the national per-capita rankings. Authorities attribute the decrease to the Los Angeles Police Department's use of computer statistics to pinpoint high-crime areas, as well as increased communication among detectives citywide.

``If they see a certain pattern that's developing, we're able to get to it much sooner,'' said Detective Lou Koven of the LAPD's auto theft detail. ``They're calling more often for our input on problems.

``We're trying to be more responsive and more proactive. In the past, for good reason, the department has always put an emphasis on violent crime. They're understanding that auto theft is a big part of crime.''

Still, in a region where people are often defined by what they drive, a car was stolen every seven minutes in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area. The most commonly stolen vehicles were Toyota Camrys and Honda Civics and Accords, although police say Cadillac Escalades are becoming more frequent targets, especially souped-up cars.

``There's such a huge popularity in after-market equipment on these vehicles that make them targets,'' said Frank White, a property claim manager and auto theft expert for 21st Century Insurance.

``If you see an '05 Escalade with factory wheels next to one with after- market wheels and a DVD player and all this other equipment, which are they going to take? A lot of these cars that we recover, that's why they're stolen - they're stripped of their after-market materials.''

In Los Angeles, 83 percent of cars stolen this year have been recovered, Koven said.

Drivers can avoid becoming car-theft victims by using common sense and putting a little money into their cars, officials said. Drivers should make sure they don't leave a key in the car or leave the car unlocked, and they should park in well-lit areas. Installing warning devices such as a car alarm or immobilizing devices such as a ``smart'' key with a computer chip in it or a fuel-disabling device also help prevent car theft.

Tracking devices such as OnStar and Lo-Jack help recover stolen cars, officials said.

``Without question, things can be defeated, but we recommend it's better to have something than nothing,'' Cuevas said. ``And the more advanced the device - the technology is pretty darn good out there - the better.''

Josh Kleinbaum, [phone]

josh.kleinbaum(at)dailynews.com

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Toyota Camry top stolen auto

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SOURCE: National Insurance Crime Bureau