SAN DIEGO (AP) -- San Diego police say a multi-pronged enforcement approach has led to a 65 percent decrease in auto thefts over the past five years in neighborhoods near the U.S.-Mexico border.

The San Diego Union-Tribune says police identified known car thieves in the area and became familiar with their tactics to help fight crime. The number of car thefts in border neighborhoods dropped from 2,233 in fiscal year 2007, to 771 thefts in fiscal year 2011. The department also used bait cars to lure thieves and partnered with federal officials to keep an eye out for stolen vehicles at the border.

Junk yards also were inspected by state officers to crack down on the sale of stolen parts or vehicles.