Reported U.S. video game system thefts have shot up 285 percent over the last three years, despite a decrease in property crime, according to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Video games are not only becoming a more popular pastime, but they're also becoming a greater target for property theft, according to FBI data. USA Today cited that data in a Wednesday report that said reported video game system theft rose 285 percent over the past three years. The FBI National Crime Information Center recorded 42,615 video game systems stolen during the year October 31 -- 2007 saw just 11,074 stolen. The report said that reported theft of all electronic items, such as TV, cameras, and laptops, were also up during the past three years. Authorities speculate that as valuable electronics come down in size, they become easier targets for theft. Those rises came as property crime dropped to 9.8 million thefts in 2008 from 10 million in 2006, the report said. FBI special agent Jason Pack said, "Local and state police officers routinely see a spike in these type of crimes during the holiday season. Stolen electronics are easily sold on the street for quick cash." The increase may also reflect the growing amount of video game system ownership in the past three years. A new study from Deloitte this week found that nearly 60 percent of U.S. homes owned a video game console, up from 44 percent three years ago.
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