After years of decline, the number of vehicles now being stolen in Cheyenne has risen to its highest level in almost a decade.

Police spokesman Officer Kevin Malatesta says 226 vehicles were stolen from Cheyenne's streets last year, 21.5 percent more than in 2017 and nearly three times the amount stolen in 2014.

"The majority of the vehicles that we have stolen are ones where the keys are left in the car," said Malatesta.

"(By) simply taking your vehicle keys with you and locking your door, the chances of your car getting stolen are tiny," he added.

Malatesta says police are working to address the increase in vehicle thefts and are "trying to target areas where those are occurring."

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