DENVER — Denver Police are warning drivers about a sharp spike in auto thefts—for one brand in particular.
And an Englewood man knows all about it. Thieves stole his Honda and didn’t leave much of it for police to recover.
“Nine in the morning. It was stolen right here in front of my house,” says Eric Salazar about his 1993 Honda Civic SI.
It was a nice, sensible, older car.
“It’s always something I wanted,” he said. “I finally got the opportunity to buy one and I did.”
But its average looks didn’t stop thieves form swiping it.
“When I got it back, it was a frame, tires and an engine. That’s it,” he says.
“Be aware if they have that kind of vehicle, that is a hot commodity for thieves out there,” says Denver Police spokesperson Sonny Jackson.
Now, Denver Police warn people with Hondas to watch out for crooks who covet these kids of cars.
“Numbers are alarming. Three times as many this year as was last year,” says Jackson.
He says in May and June, thieves stole 156 older-model Honda Civics and Accords—compared to 59 over the same time last year.
Jackson says the cars range in age from 1988 to 1999.
“I’ve asked why that particular car. And one, they are easy to steal. Parts are interchangeable. And there`s a younger crowd that likes them,” says Jackson.
Salazar stores his recovered car at his friend’s house, and has slowly built it back, piece by piece. Still, the grill gone, so are the headlight and dashboard.
He’s spent about $2,000 on parts to rebuild his car—from seats, to doors to a roof.
“My goal is by next summer to have it completed,” he says.
And when that time comes, he says he won’t take any chances. He learned the hard way, keeping it locked wasn’t enough.
“I’ll put in in the garage,” he laughs.
Police ask people to make their cars less enticing to steal: install an alarm, use a lock device on the steering wheel, park in well-lit or busy areas and always lock your car.