ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —

With the Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico just nine days away, law enforcement is preparing for a potential rise in auto theft, which could affect insurance rates in the state. Hundreds of thousands of guests are expected to attend the nine-day event, and the influx of people raises the possibility of increased crime, particularly auto theft.

"We do get a huge increase in that because we have visitors coming in, people are out and about. It kind of honestly makes the best breeding ground for criminals for auto theft specifically," said Angelica Lucero, a paralegal with the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance.

Lucero told KOAT that during Balloon Fiesta, many cars and trailers are stolen, including areas like mall parking lots used for park-and-ride services.

"They

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