Rash of Honda Auto Thefts Hitting Kennewick – 8 in Last 9 Days

Kennewick police are chasing down a group of thieves who've been targeting Hondas across the city.

Sgt. Ken Lattin reported Tuesday at least eight different attempts have been made to steal the 1990-2000 models.   According to auto experts, Hondas are among the most-stolen vehicles in America, due to its popularity.   Autoblog.com reports the National Insurance Crime Bureau says the Accord and Civic were again the most-stolen cars in the U.S. in 2012.

Kennewick police released the following information about the recent Honda thefts -- all of which were reported between Aug. 17-27.

 5 attempted thefts (extensive damage – many wouldn’t start for owner)
3 completed thefts (none recovered yet)
6 Accords and 2 Civics
Suspects: Only suspects seen were at 3214 W. Metaline Place on 8/21/13 @ 04:45 – 2 Hispanic Males’s were seen running away from the vehicle. No suspect vehicle seen. #13-26958
Entry: Unlocked or forcing down windows; extensive damage to ignition areas so they don’t appear to know what they are doing

Police say there's no geographical pattern except that six were in parking logs and two in driveways. The method of forced entry has police thinking they are amateur car boosters, as "professionals" can break into a car relatively undetected.

Police urge ALL motorists to securely lock and park their vehicles were they can be seen by themselves or others and to report suspicious activity. Information can be anonymously submitted to Tri-Cities Crime Stoppers at 509-586-TIPS.