significant increases in crime.

Milwaukee, Houston and Portland among cities with 10,000 vehicle thefts in 2021 (those cities up over 100% in a year). Nationwide, vehicle thefts up over 10% in 2021.

Portland LE / DA see direct correlations between car theft and narcotics crimes.

"Car Theft: Top 10 cities where your car is likely to get stolen"
https://www.way.com/blog/car-theft-top-10-cities-where-you-car-is-likely-to-get-stolen/

Top tips to prevent car thefts

Lock your doors: The first step in preventing a thief from entering your car is to keep your doors locked. It’s a good idea to get into the habit of checking the doors of your car after you’ve parked it.
Remove your keys as you exit the car: You should never leave your keys in the ignition. If your car’s key is still in it, a thief can easily break a window and drive off with your belongings. Unattended or unlocked vehicles are an easy target for thieves.
Keep your windows shut: A thief can simply reach into your car through an open window and take whatever they can reach. Or they can unlock the door and get complete access to your car and everything within. So remember to roll up your windows as you exit the car.
Park in well-lit areas: Avoid parking in poorly lit areas or in spots that are not immediately visible to oncoming traffic. Parking in well-lit areas deters criminals from attempting to steal your car. If you find it difficult to search for a good parking spot, use our app to review and book a parking spot in advance.
Install a tracker: If your car gets stolen, installing a GPS tracker in your car can help law enforcement trace and track the location of your vehicle.