Great news for Massachusetts metropolitan drivers, auto thefts decreased by 11.5 percent over the last couple years. However this does not mean Mass drivers should leave their car doors unlocked. The most-Stolen vehicle in Massachusetts last year was the 1995 Honda Civic. (Auto Thefts Down in Mass., U.S. in ’08, by Craig M Douglas)

Ways for Massachusetts drivers to avoid auto theft:

• park in well lit areas
• lock the car doors and roll up the windows
• if you have valuables in the car, place them out of sight
• consider installing an alarm system
• double check your auto insurance policy

Although theft rates have decreased, please use your common sense and drive/ park safely.