WASHINGTON — Washington ranks third in the nation for car thefts, according to a new report using FBI crime data.

In the most recent 12-month period, more than 53,000 vehicles were reported stolen statewide — about 159 percent above the national average. Most thefts in Washington happen at residences, with more than 19,000 cars taken from driveways and homes.

California tops the list with nearly 196,000 thefts, followed by Texas at 124,000. Washington comes in third, ahead of Illinois, Colorado, and New York.

Officials say the trend is continuing upward, with theft numbers still climbing across the state. Nationally, nearly every state in the top ten has seen year-over-year increases.

Authorities are urging drivers to take precautions, such as locking vehicles, using anti-theft devices

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