Auto Theft Hits Historic Lows In DC, MD, VA

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Crime statistics show auto theft is hitting historic lows throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

Citing annual crime reports, AAA Mid-Atlantic reported Monday that auto theft in Maryland last year was the lowest ever reported, dating back to 1975. Virginia is also seeing its lowest vehicle theft rates in nearly 40 years. And in the District of Columbia, AAA says car theft has dropped by 60 percent over the past decade.

The drops in the region are consistent with national trends.

Prince George's County continued to lead Maryland in auto thefts. But the rate declined by 15 percent from 2012 to 2013. Last year, 4,293 vehicles were stolen in the county, down from 5,092 the year before.