Car thefts increasing in Boone County. – two Missouri cities rank nationally

Reports show Boone County had 358 vehicles stolen last year. This trend is not just in mid-Missouri but across the state.

Springfield and St. Joseph, Mo. are in the top 10 list for cities with the most stolen vehicles based on population.

Detective Tom O’Sullivan said officials catch stolen vehicles from all over the country driving through mid-Missouri.

“Out on the interstate that were taken from the west coast and east coast and they’re coming through Boone County,” O’Sullivan said.

Officials find more common car brands are the ones thieves aim to take.

“The vehicles that are stolen are not the Corvette, Lamborghini or the Porsche,” he said. “It’s the vehicles that are more common.”

O’Sullivan said Honda Accords and Toyota Camry’s are often stolen for the value of their used parts.

Criminal activity spikes during the summer months and this can lead to more stolen cars. O’Sullivan said people may leave their car running when its hot out and this increases their chance of becoming a victim to vehicle theft.

“They run into the store and leave the car running,” O’Sullivan said. “You never want to leave the vehicle running and unlocked.”