A 2018 Chevrolet Camaro – left running and unattended by its owner early Monday morning – was the sixth vehicle stolen in Las Cruces since Friday evening.
The gun-metal gray, convertible Camaro was stolen about 4:15 a.m. from the 2200 block of Corn Drive. The vehicle was left running and unattended to warm up. Two of the vehicles stolen this weekend were left running and unattended by their owners while one other was left with the keys inside the cab.
Through May 15, Las Cruces police have recorded 186 thefts of motor vehicles in 2021. That marks a 104 percent increase from the 91 vehicles stolen during the same time period in 2020.
Nationally, more vehicles are stolen during the summer and warm weather months than during any other season. The Las Cruces Police Department encourages owners of motor vehicles follow these tips:
- Do not leave vehicles running and unattended.
- Do not leave vehicles running, unattended and with children inside.
- Do not leave keys inside the vehicle.
- Do not loan your vehicle to someone you do not know and fully trust.
- Invest in and use an audible alarm system with an automatic kill switch that prevents vehicle from being started.
- Ensure that all windows to vehicle are etched with the Vehicle Identification Number.
- Close and lock windows and doors when leaving vehicles unattended.
- If possible, park vehicle in a garage or within a gated area.
- Do not leave keys to home, business or other properties inside your vehicle.
- Do not leave garage door remote openers in vehicle.
- Do not leave garage doors open or partially open. Entry can be gained by leaving a garage door partially open by as little as 10 inches.
- Do not leave the vehicle’s title, or personal or financial documents in vehicle.
- Do not leave firearms inside vehicles.
- Immediately report suspicious persons or activity in your neighborhood.
- Immediately report a stolen vehicle by calling police at (575) 526-0795 or call 911 if it’s an emergency. Be prepared to provide the make, model and color of vehicle along with the VIN and current license plate number.