Car Thefts Spiking in Hermiston, Authorities Trying to Find Out Why

While robberies are down significantly, as well as some other crimes, car thefts in Hermiston are being described as "ugly" by the police chief.

According to Police Chief Jason Edmiston, some 28 car thefts have been recorded in the first six months of 2015, that's an increase of 39%.

However, 62% of those involved cars that were left unlocked, or even running.  Officials say locking and securing vehicle will likely prevent their being stolen, as well as making sure you don't leave valuable items sitting in plain view on the seats.

Neighborhood watch groups are being formed and growing across the city, where citizens are making a point of keeping an eye out as the thefts continue to rise.

However, even if they continue, they would have a long way to go before coming close to another Eastern Washington city that has routinely topped, or been in the top ten, in auto thefts - that being Yakima.