Utica, NY (WIBX) - Although the New York Insurance Association is commending the City of Utica for its low vehicle theft rate in 2011, incidents in the city are on the rise.

Among the 366 metropolitan areas analyzed in the U.S., Utica ranked 362nd. According to a report released by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the city saw 117 car thefts in 2011, down nearly 30 percent from 2010.

But, Utica Police Chief Mark Williams says although last year's results were good, 2012 will not be a repeat.

"I just don't think I'm going to be able to rank that high again this year," Williams said. "Because, you know, the key is making arrests in these situations and trying to be proactive and stay ahead of this. We're losing our ability to be proactive."

Williams says since the beginning of the year, car thefts have nearly doubled from this time in 2011, and in June car thefts were up by 167 percent.

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