North Little Rock police see major uptick in car theft, offer tips to prevent it
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — The North Little Rock Police Department is reporting an alarming uptick in car thefts.
Police say more than 320 cars were stolen in the city in 2019, which is more than a 30 percent increase from the year before.
It was the week of Thanksgiving when Cheryl Davis stepped outside to a shock.
"I got up to go to work, looked outside and my car was gone," she said.
She realized she mistakenly dropped her keys outside the night before, so she called the police.
"Within an hour of me reporting my car being stolen, they called and said they found my car but it's no longer drive-able," Davis said.
Her Nissan Maxima was totaled. Davis says police found the suspect and her car just a few miles from her house.
"It was a weird feeling," she said. "I felt violated."
Lt. Brian Dedrick with North Little Rock police says the department saw a record amount of car thefts in 2019.
Most of the time, he says this crime can be prevented.
"About 50 percent of the time, the keys were left in the vehicle, the ignition or the car was left running," Dedrick said.
Dedrick says it's hard to pinpoint if any of the cases are connected, but says the thieves usually steal the cars and ditch them right away.
"Probably the worst-case scenario is they’re using these vehicles for other crimes, and that makes it really difficult to solve the other crimes as well," he said.
The uptick has victims like Davis taking extra precautions.
"Just double-check your locks, your house doors and everything," she said. "Just be very aware."
She hopes no one else will have to learn the hard way.
"You don't feel safe anymore in your own house, and that is pretty sad," Davis said.
Officers with North Little Rock police say they are planning to meet with nearby agencies to see what their issues are, hoping by working together they can put a stop to this kind of crime.
Police also remind you to remove any valuable items from your car when it's not in use.