BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – There’s some encouraging signs that certain crimes are declining in Whatcom County.

The Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force says that statewide vehicle thefts were down 21% in January of 2024 when compared to January of 2023.

Washington saw a record number of stolen vehicles in 2022, but new laws and anti-theft measures have helped in reducing that number. In Whatcom County, data from the Sheriff’s Office shows year-over-year car thefts between 2022 and 2023 are down 65%.

Other notable data points during that same time period note a significant decline in vandalisms and vehicle prowls.