LANSING— A spike in Michigan auto thefts in 2006 bucked a promising trend of the last two decades, according to a state report.

It may be too soon to blame the poor economy for the 3.4 percent increase, but some experts are making a connection.

It’s difficult to link the rise of auto thefts with the poor economy but there is a relationship, said David Tjepkema, the acting executive director of the state’s Auto Theft Prevention Authority.

“People who are out of work or struggling financially have a tendency to either try to get rid of a vehicle that they can’t afford or try to make a few extra bucks by stealing vehicles,” Tjepkema said.

The authority provides financial support to state and local law enforcement agencies for programs to reduce auto thefts.

Detective Sgt. Donald Lusk, of the State Police, said theft trends fluctuate.

“You have to follow the money,” said Lusk, who is assigned to the Macomb Auto Theft Squad.

A few years ago, air bags were the hot item to steal, said Lusk, who has 15 years of auto theft prevention experience.

Now thieves often seek 20-inch wheels and catalytic converters, he said.

Terri Miller, the director of Help Eliminate Auto Theft, said catalytic converters are popular because they contain precious metals like platinum. They are mostly stolen for scrap metal purposes.

Her group is a combination of insurance companies and law enforcement agencies that represent auto theft prevention projects.

A small number of them have been used as air purifiers for methamphetamine labs, Miller added.

The most frequently stolen vehicle in the state in 2006 was a 2005 black Dodge Ram pickup, according to the authority. Also high on the list: a 2004 gray Dodge Ram and a white 2005 Dodge Durango.

Tjepkema said, “Dodge has been the top target for auto thieves for several years.”

Dodges have popular chrome wheels and ignition systems that thieves can easily master, he said. Select recent models offer a better anti-theft system.

Tjepkema said about 60 percent of stolen vehicles are recovered but some have already been stripped for parts such as, wheels, GPS navigational devices and stereo systems.

Lusk said people steal vehicles for a variety of reasons.

A drug user in the suburbs may steal an unattended vehicle that is warming up for the morning commute. The thief drives to the big city and sells it to get money for a fix.

Lusk said people should use common sense because leaving the key in the ignition creates a tempting situation.

A total of 49,709 vehicles were reported stolen in 2006. Wayne, Macomb, Oakland and Genesee counties led the state in auto thefts.

Auto thefts in the state have dropped 31 percent since 1986. Two of the past 10 years – 2003 and 2006 – showed a rise, the authority said.

Tjepkema said, “We always worry about increasing crime patterns and hope that the data for 2007 will show that we’re holding the line on auto thefts.”

Help Eliminate Auto Theft is a confidential citizen tip line that offers rewards up to $10,000 for reports that lead to arrests. To report an auto-related crime, call 1-800-242-HEAT or visit www.18000242HEAT.com.