Car thefts in downtown Los Angeles have quadrupled over the last ten years, according to a new study.
The analysis, conducted by the Los Angeles Times, found that there were over 20,000 car thefts in L.A. in 2023. It also found that South L.A. had the most the car thefts, while downtown L.A., Chinatown, and Little Tokyo had the greatest increase in car thefts over the last decade.
The Los Angeles Police Department’s South Bureau told the outlet that while violent crimes have reduced, car theft is still high and that there was an almost 18% increase in vehicle theft.
One man told KNX News’ Jon Baird he had his car stolen on Figuerora Street while he was grabbing food. He was only a couple feet away from the car when it happened.
“[The food worker] met me at the curb right in front of the car when he handed me the food, the other guy just came in and took it,” the man recalled. “I managed to turn around and throw my food through the window of the car thinking that would, you know, stop the guy.”
He added that the car, which he had just bought, was recovered three days later, but it was a mess. He said that while the insurance company decided to pay it off he was out $4,000.
The outlet reported that the cars most likely be stolen the most are Hyundai and Kia cars.
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