(COLORADO) — The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) said that 2023 saw a clear decline in auto theft incidents throughout the state, a reduction that CSP said could be the result of many factors including legislation that went into effect over the summer.

According to CSP, by the halfway mark of 2023, CSP and the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA) saw a clear reduction in the number of auto theft incidents in Colorado. At the end of the year, the trend had held with Colorado seeing a reduction of about 21% from 2022 to 2023, totaling about 8,000 fewer incidents.

As for reasons behind the decline, CSP pointed out two legislative bills that took effect in 2023.

SB23-097 went into effect on July 1 and completely changed the structure of the auto theft statute in Colorado and SB23-257, increased funding for vehicle theft prevention programs.

“The general focus on reducing auto theft has stemmed across Colorado and has taken root within local communities. Colorado has shown reductions statewide and regionally, as has every CATPA region,” wrote CSP.

While a reduction in vehicle theft is welcome, CSP warns that doesn’t mean people are clear of being future theft victims. The level of vehicle theft is still high and vehicle owners should not become complacent, warned CSP.

Coloradoans should continue efforts to reduce their risk of becoming auto theft victims by using tools available at lockdownyourcar.org.