Hot Wheels
- Share via
From 1983 to 1992, the number of vehicles stolen in the county rose 120%, but thefts have fallen since. Undercover efforts have shed light on this black market. Posing as professional thieves, investigators bought a Mitsubishi sports car for $5,000. Dealer price: $44,000.
More Cars Kept
Auto theft has declined since the advent of the auto theft task force in July 1993:
July-Dec., 1992: 10,417
Jan.-June, 1993: 10,520
July-Dec., 1993: 9,696
Jan.-June, 1994: 9,613
July-Dec., 1994: 9,583
Jan.-June, 1995: 8,780
Source: Orange County District Attorney
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
