Kern County Sheriffs are asking drivers to check their cars after an over 70 percent increase in license plate thefts.

Officers recommend people use security screws for their plates, remove old tabs before putting on new ones, and mount a sturdy metal frame around the plate to stop more stealing.

Sheriffs also report vehicle vandalism is up 19 percent and the theft of tools has increased 11 percent in 2016.

Kelli Forsch