Seattle police reported the average number of cars stolen daily in the city has risen from 8.46 last year to 9.9 this year, and more than 3,000 were stolen through October 2010.
Employees at the 911 Seattle call center will tweet a car’s color, make, model, body type and license plate information after it’s reported stolen.
“I believe that this program will integrate seamlessly into our strategy to prevent and reduce auto theft in Seattle,” said Seattle Police Chief John Diaz in a statement. “It will also serve to increase public awareness on the subject.”
So far, five cars are posted and the number of followers is increasing quickly. People are encouraged to call 911 if they spot the car or have more information.
The Seattle Police Department is thought to be the first public safety agency to list stolen autos on Twitter, but cities have been using social media for years to track thieves.
Boston began announcing bike thefts on Twitter in 2009 as a way to alert police, repair shops and other members of the cycling community as soon as a bicycle goes missing.
