THE CRIME RATE IN ALBUQUERQUE WAS UP ABOUT 1-AND-A-HALF PERCENT LAST YEAR. MAYOR RICHARD BERRY SAYS AUTO THEFT WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THAT INCREASE. HE SAYS THERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP REDUCE AUTO THEFT. HE’S ASKING THAT YOU NOT LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE UNATTENDED WHEN YOU’RE WARMING IT UP ON COLD WINTER MORNINGS.
BERRY SAYS AS THE SEASON STARTS TO TURN COLD HERE FOR FALL AND WINTER, RESIST THE URGE TO WARM UP YOUR VEHICLE UNATTENDED IN YOUR DRIVEWAY. HE SAYS IT’S JUST AN INVITATION TO A THIEF TO DRIVE OFF IN YOUR CAR. BERRY ALSO SAYS WOMEN SHOULD NEVER LEAVE THEIR PURSE OR ANY OTHER VALUABLES IN PLAIN VIEW IN A VEHICLE. HE SAYS MOST PROPERTY CRIMES ARE CRIMES OF OPPORTUNITY.
