Auto theft is down in Surrey and Delta but up dramatically in White Rock.

Provincial government statistics released last week indicate a 17 per cent drop in auto theft province-wide during the first half of this year, compared to the same period last year.

The number of auto thefts in the Lower Mainland dropped by 19 per cent, and in Delta auto theft dropped by 21 per cent. Surrey recorded 16 per cent fewer auto thefts in the first six months of 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.

Surrey also recorded 28 per cent fewer thefts from autos in that period.

But the number of auto thefts in White Rock, for the same periods, jumped by 38 per cent.

"The White Rock RCMP are working hard to identify and charge the people responsible for these thefts," said White Rock RCMP Const. Janelle Shoihet.

tzytaruk@thenownewspaper.com