Car thieves have been on the prowl in the west valley, stealing quite a few cars and trucks in Avondale, Tolleson, Peoria and Glendale, according to investigators.
"We've seen an increase in activity in the west valley," said Sgt. J. D. Hough, who oversees the Arizona Department of Public Safety's Auto Theft Task Force.
And it's not just any car. Auto theft rates have been dropping in Arizona and the valley, but according to investigators, the thefts of certain vehicles has increased.
Police from several west valley agencies said they're seeing crooks stealing a lot of heavy trucks and SUVs. Ford F250s, F350s and Dodge trucks are especially popular. Those vehicles are often connected to the smuggling trade.
"The pick-ups and SUVs are convenient for hauling humans and cargo across the desert. A lot of times it's the 4-wheel-drives [being stolen] and the area that they're traversing requires a heavy duty vehicle," said Hough.
Many of the auto thefts are happening in the late afternoon at strip malls, movie theaters and restaurant parking lots -- places the crooks know you'll likely be gone for an hour or more.
"It gives them ample time to steal that vehicle, head south [toward the border] and be out of the valley before you are even aware it's missing," said Hough.
Police recommend a "layered approach" to protect your car or truck. Always lock your vehicle and roll up the windows, don't leave valuables in plain sights, and use additional deterrents such as alarms and other anti-theft devices, they said.
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