Police report car thefts are on the rise in Oxnard

Police are investigating an uptick in car thefts that is plaguing the city of Oxnard.

In September 2018, 75 cars were reported stolen in Oxnard. That’s a spike from the monthly average of 50.

Sargent Marc Amon is looking into vehicle theft trends.

“The people that we are arresting are repeat offenders, we have several people that are being arrested two, three, four times in a year for stealing vehicles,” said Sgt. Amon. ” A lot of the arrests that we have had…the arrestees have listed their address as homeless.”

Oxnard resident, Lupe Lopez says her mother is a recent victim. Just last week her 1997 Toyota Camry was stolen off the streets of Oxnard.

“Every day she goes out there and looks for her car,” said Lopez, ” It seems like every day someone’s car is getting stolen.”

Sargent Amon says thieves are specifically targeting Honda Accord and Civics made from 1990 to 2000.

“Because the cars are built so well, the engines are outlasting some of the components on the car like the locks and the ignition,” said Amon. “People are able to use worn out keys to open the doors and start those ignitions very easily.”

October 2018 is off to a bad start. Seven stolen cars have been reported since October 1st.

Oxnard police are offering tips to make sure you don’t fall victim — Never leave keys in the car, don’t leave the car unattended and if you can, use wheel locks.