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Fresno got a dose of unwelcome national publicity last week when the metropolitan area was identified as America’s auto-theft capital.
But city officials hope Madera County can help it shed that title.
Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin and Police Chief Jerry Dyer have unveiled a plan to lease a handful of beds at the Madera County Jail to keep the worst car-theft suspects behind bars until they can be arraigned. That could keep serial thieves off the street – and threaten them with stiffer prison sentences if they get out and steal again.
“The plan has the ability to significantly reduce auto theft in our city,” Dyer said. “When we roll this out, the message will be pretty strong for a lot of these guys.”
Dyer said his department has identified about 90 people who are responsible for most of the vehicle thefts.
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