SIOUX FALL, S.D. (KELO AM) -Compared to a year ago, there's been a fifty percent increase in the number of stolen vehicles between now and the first of the year in Sioux Falls.
Lieutenant Mike Colwill says most of the stolen vehicles were unlocked with the keys hidden inside.
Colwill says law enforcement asks the public to lock the doors to your vehicle and take the keys with you.
It's much the same problem in the recent rash of thefts from cars. There are groups of larsonists roaming the city and county just checking for unlocked cars. If they find the keys, you lose more than just the personal contents inside.
An amazing video has been posted on Youtube of what appears to be potential thieves checking for unlocked cars in southwest Sioux Falls.
Between now and the first of the year 143 cars have been stolen while a year ago 89 cars were taken.