Deputy honored for work tracking car thefts

Despite Loma Linda's low crime statistics, car thieves have kept San Bernardino County Deputy Jeremiah Cornett busy.

Last year, the deputy recovered 15 stolen vehicles in the city, sheriff's officials said. In four of the recoveries, he made arrests.

In recognition of his efforts, Cornett was awarded the 10851 Award on Tuesday.

The award is named after the law-enforcement code for "stolen vehicle." It recognizes law-enforcement officers who have recovered at least 12 vehicles and made arrests in three of the recoveries, officials said.

Cornett was honored by the award, but said he did not want to give people the impression that Loma Linda was a hot bed for vehicle thieves.

While the city has its troubles with auto thefts, it has actually become more of a dumping ground for stolen cars than a place to steal one, Cornett said.

"Thieves will leave them here because they kind of blend in," Cornett said. "They will park them in a hospital parking lot and walk away. Obviously we're going to find them."

But they are not always immediately found, officials said.

"Car theft is a really personal crime because cars are like second homes to people," said San Bernardino County Sheriff's Lt. Rod Torres. "You feel violated."

The 10851 Awards are co-sponsored by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's, the California Highway Patrol and the Automobile Club of Southern California.