BRIEFS: Crime

Car thefts on the rise, police say

LA PRENSA

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Policía Nacional (PN) are reporting that 447 vehicles have been stolen during the first six months of this year, an increase of 60 from the same period last year.

The highest number of thefts have taken place in the neighborhoods of Bethania, Bella Vista and San Francisco. Of the 447 thefts, 136 have taken place in these three neighborhoods.

According to reports, criminals steal an average of 2.4 vehicles per day. The Nissan Sentra is the favorites target of car thieves.

Most of these cars are “chopped,” or disassembled to be sold for parts, a police source said. Some are also stolen to be used to commit other crimes.