Police: 83 Percent of Auto Thefts Were Preventable

A vast majority of stolen vehicles in St. Petersburg are due to drivers leaving the keys in the car or an open area, according to police.

The car's own key was the culprit in 460 out of 551 auto thefts in St. Pete, or 83 percent, according to the St. Petersburg Police Department.

Drivers, police said, "left the keys in the ignition or somewhere easily accessible inside the vehicle and it is this fact that we attribute to the increase in auto thefts this year."

Despite the increase, police said auto thefts are down 19 percent in 2013 compared to a five-year average. 

"Our analysis of auto theft data indicates many suspects lay in wait outside of convenience stores or strip malls for potential victims to leave their car engines running while they go inside for a quick purchase," police said. "Once the victim has gone into the store, the suspects move in and drive off in the vehicle."