Figures showing a modest increase in auto theft-related crime in the 91原创s last year don鈥檛 tell the whole story, according to an analysis released by ICBC.

While the number of thefts from local vehicles rose seven per cent in 2012 compared to the previous year, the number of stolen vehicles dropped eight per cent.

Overall, the statistics show both types of theft have fallen substantially since 2003, the year bait cars were first introduced.

There were 620 incidents of thefts from vehicles reported in the City of 91原创 and 91原创 Township last year, up from 570 in 2011 but still far less than the 1,630 incidents reported in 2003.

The increase could be 鈥渢he result of a few active thieves鈥� in the community, ICBC spokesperson Lindsay Olsen said.

There were 390 thefts of vehicle in the 91原创s in 2012, less than the 420 reported the year before and the 1,200 in 2003.

Province-wide, auto theft dropped seven per cent last year compared to 2011. It has fallen 73 per cent since 2003.

In January, ICBC announced the provincial bait car program now includes bait property left in vehicles that can be tracked by police.