Another part of Arizona's national reputation is taking a hit, but in a good way for a change.
Both Tucson and Phoenix saw their spots on the National Insurance Crime Bureau's auto theft "Hot Spots" list drop significantly in 2009, according to information released Monday.
Tucson dropped to 24th on the list of metropolitan statistical areas with the highest rate of auto theft, down from 13th in 2008, according to a news release issued by the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority.
Phoenix, which was 19th in 2008, fell to 40th in 2009, the release said.
The drop follows a recent trend for Arizona's two largest metropolitan areas, as Tucson and Phoenix were in the top 10 for auto thefts every year from 2001 to 2007, the release said.
Topping the "hot spots" list: Laredo, Texas, which was second in 2008. It switched places with 2008 list-topper Modesto, Calif., which was No. 2 in 2009.
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Nationwide, automobile theft figures have dropped for six consecutive years, the release said.
Contact reporter Brian J. Pedersen at 573-4224 or bjp@azstarnet.com
