Car thefts in Bellevue are at their lowest point since reaching an all-time high in 2004, prompting the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority to name the Bellevue Police Department as Auto Theft Agency of the Year.

Last year, there were 274 vehicles stolen, representing a 39-percent drop from 2007 and a 55-percent decrease from the peak of 607 thefts in 2004.

The positive trend appears to be continuing this year, with only 124 vehicles stolen in Bellevue as of Sept. 30.

The Bellevue Police Department has made a concerted effort to halt car thefts in recent years using its Special Enforcement Team, a group of plain-clothes officers that tackles problem crimes.

Bellevue Police also use auto-theft detectives, aggressive patrols, and an advanced crime lab to combat car theft.