Reported theft of video game systems, digital cameras, computers, and other consumer electronics popular as holiday gifts has soared in the past three years as overall property crime has fallen, USA Today reports. FBI data show theft of video game systems, such as Nintendo DS and Sony PlayStation, jumped 285 percent over three years, to 42,615 in 2009. Computer laptops reported stolen rose 32 percent, to 128,280.
The holiday season is prime time for theft of electronics. “Local and state police officers routinely see a spike in these type of crimes during the holiday season,” says FBI agent Jason Pack. “Stolen electronics are easily sold on the street for quick cash.” Overall property crime dropped from 10 million thefts in 2006 to 9.8 million in 2008.