New Mexico Auto Theft Rates Rise Dramatically

You should always lock your car and take advantage of other anti - theft measures. Especially in New Mexico!

New Mexico is turning from the land of Enchantment to the land of grand theft auto. An article in the Las Cruces Sun News says FBI reports show a 36% jump in auto thefts in New Mexico. 8,526 vehicles were stolen across the state and police aren't sure exactly why the jump occurred. They do say that budget cuts are partly to blame.

According to the Las Cruces Sun News:

Agencies around the state have complained about officer shortages and shrinking budgets that hurt specialized units that target crimes such as auto thefts.

Albuquerque had the highest auto theft rate in the state followed by Belen. Closer to El Paso, the city Sunland Park had the lowest rates. Nationwide, auto theft rates were up only 3.1% for 2014 to 2015.