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Auto Theft

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Statutes

Beginning with enactment of the Motor Vehicle Theft Law Enforcement Act, Pub.L. No. 98-547, 98 Stat. 2754 (1984) (1984 Act), Congress began to respond to the growing professionalism of motor vehicle theft during the prior two decades. The primary thrust of this legislation is directed at professional "chop shops" which cause the theft of motor vehicles in order to obtain replacement parts for other vehicles damaged in accidents. As these "crash" parts (i.e., fenders, doors, hoods, etc.) were not required to be marked with identification numbers, they were nearly impossible to identify as stolen once separated from the stolen vehicle.

The 1984 Act gave the Secretary of Transportation authority to prescribe by regulation a "vehicle theftprevention standard" which would require that manufacturers and importers of new passenger car models that are frequent theft targets ("high theft lines") mark the major components of such vehicles with an identification number in order to help prevent their theft for "chop shop" operations. The Secretary of Transportation was also authorized to issue a voluntary component identification standard for "low theft" passenger car lines and all other "road" motor vehicles (i.e., trucks, vans, motorcycles, etc.). The Secretary of Transportation was not given any authority over "off-highway" mobile equipment (i.e., bulldozers, farm tractors, etc.) by the 1984 Act.

The Anti Car Theft Act of 1992, Pub.L. No. 102-519, 106 Stat. 3397 (1992) (1992 Act) expanded the Secretary's motor vehicle parts marking authority. The 1992 Act required that within two years of the date of enactment (October 25, 1992), the Secretary shall promulgate a vehicle theft standard pertaining to the covered major parts which are installed by all foreign and domestic manufacturers into passenger motor vehicles (other than light duty trucks) in not to exceed one-half of the lines not designated as high theft lines. As a result of the revision of Title 49 United States Code, Pub.L. 103-272, (1994) the theft prevention (parts marking) provisions are now codified Chapter 331 of Title 49. The implementing regulations are set forth in 49 C.F.R. Part 541.

The 1984 Act also amended Title 18 to provide for criminal penalties for altering or removing motor vehicle identification numbers (18 U.S.C. § 511); seizure and forfeiture of vehicles or components with falsified or removed identification numbers (18 U.S.C. § 512); trafficking in road motor vehicles or their components which have removed or falsified identification numbers (18 U.S.C. § 2321); importing or exporting any of a wide variety of motor vehicles, vessels, or aircraft that have been stolen or that have had their identification numbers falsified or removed (18 U.S.C. § 553). In addition, the 1984 Act authorizes the Customs Service to establish a regulation requiring that the exporter of a used motor vehicle, or used off-highway mobile equipment, submit to the Customs Service before exportation a document evidencing his ownership and containing the identification number of the vehicle or equipment (19 U.S.C. § 1627a).

The 1992 Act created a new offense which makes it a federal crime to own, operate, maintain, or control a "chop shop." (18 U.S.C. § 2322). Finally, the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. § 14171) which was enacted as Title XXII of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, requires the Attorney General to develop, in cooperation with the States, a national voluntary motor vehicle theft prevention program wherein a motor vehicle owner may sign a consent form authorizing law enforcement officers to stop his motor vehicle if it is being operated under specified conditions. Participating motorists must display a program decal on their vehicles. An unauthorized application of a program decal on a vehicle is punishable by a fine not to exceed $1000 (18 U.S.C. § 511(a)).


                             

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Monday, September 29, 2008

Motor vehicle theft investigation training

  • The 8 and 32 hour training courses were identified as good tools to educate local law enforcement. The 90-day temporary assignment of local law enforcement to task forces has also proven to be successful. Prosecutors clearly indicated that trained officers prepare better cases for prosecution. Finally, industry investigators and task force directors identified the need for advanced training for auto theft investigators.
  • Chiefs and Sheriffs are in favor of continued statewide officer training in motor vehicle theft investigation. In a previously conducted survey, they responded that officers attending vehicle theft training asked more and better questions and were checking for patterns in theft they previously had not. They also were reported to have increased their skills and techniques for discovering false theft claims and insurance fraud as well as a better understanding of transportation theft, parts theft, VIN switching and retagging.
  • Roll call training should be used to advise all police officers of insurance fraud indicators.
  • The Council should continue to support the training courses currently offered statewide by the Illinois State Police, such as the regional in-service training seminars for patrol officers and for experienced auto theft investigators. Emphasis on interview and interrogation techniques; construction equipment and specialty vehicle theft investigation was recommended.
  • It was strongly suggested that the auto theft investigator training curriculum include cross-training due to the interrelationship between auto theft and other criminal activity as well as in-depth training on the types of offenders: career, juvenile, gang member, drug user/dealer.


                             

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Thursday, September 25, 2008

Car jacking

This violent, random form of auto theft is on the rise. A driver of any vehicle can be a target of someone with a weapon. It can happen anywhere, day or night. Here are some precautions:
  • Keep your doors locked.
  • Park in well-lit, busy areas.
  • Be alert of your surroundings, of people approaching your vehicle.
  • Stick with traffic, avoid lightly traveled streets, especially after dark.
  • Keep car and house keys on separate key chains.
  • Keep the garage door opener in your purse or briefcase.
  • When stopped in traffic, always leave enough room to make an emergency getaway.
  • If someone is threatening you with a weapon, give up the vehicle -- it is not worth your life.


                             

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Tuesday, September 23, 2008

ISecurity Tips


To help you keep your vehicle, follow these helpful reminders:Picture of an old truck, a vehicle commonly stolen

  • Park in well-lit areas with pedestrian traffic.
  • Lock your vehicle, roll up the windows and take your keys with you.
  • Hide valuables in a secure location, such as the trunk, under the seat or any place out of view.
  • Consider using a steering-wheel locking device to help secure your vehicle.
  • Consider installing a security alarm system for your vehicle.
  • Consider installing a tracking device in your vehicle to help recover it if it is stolen.
  • Consider VIN etching the windows of your vehicle.
  • NEVER leave your keys in an unattended vehicle.
  • NEVER leave the title to your vehicle inside your vehicle.


                             

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Monday, September 22, 2008

How to prevent theft of other motor vehicles

Thefts of snowmobiles, motorcycles, boats, and trail-bikes are also increasing. Many of the same precautions that apply to cars also apply to recreational vehicles.
Lock it
  • Make sure all easy-to-carry items like motors, water skis, and camping gear are locked up before leaving your vehicle.
Chain it
  • Vehicles carried on trailers should be secured with a strong chain and padlock.
  • When the trailer is not attached to your car, secure it with a heavy chain and lock it to a stationary object.
  • Chain your motorcycle or snowmobile to a stationary object such as a lamp post or sewer grating. Even when your vehicle is in the garage, use a heavy chain and padlock that resists conventional steel hacksaw blades.


                             

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Thursday, September 18, 2008

Governor's Auto Theft Strike Force

The Governor's Auto Theft Strike Force operates a confidential toll free auto theft tip line that gives you the opportunity to help stop auto thieves. If you give information that leads to the arrest of a car thief, or the location of a chop shop, you could receive a confidential cash reward of up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00). All you need to do is call 1-800-HOT-AUTO. Auto theft is a serious and far-reaching crime that affects us all. Last year alone over thirty thousand cars were stolen in Massachusetts. At a minimum, auto theft costs us all extra money in higher insurance premiums. Insurance companies recognize this problem and that is why this tip line has been established.

The 1-800-HOT-AUTO tip-line is operated by state troopers at the Governor’s Auto Theft Strike Force. Your call and identity will be kept confidential. All rewards are paid out in cash with no strings attached. Again, the telephone number to call is 1-800-HOT-AUTO (1-800-468-2886).

The Governor's Auto Theft Strike Force also runs a VIN Etching program. VIN etching is the process of permanently etching your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the windows of your automobile. The moment your vehicle is reported stolen, its federally registered VIN becomes the mark of a stolen vehicle. Thieves are less likely to risk the theft of an easily identified vehicle nor are they willing to spend the time and effort trying to replace VIN marked windows. The fee for this service is $10.00, however, you can save up to 15% off on your comprehensive insurance when you have VIN etching done on your car. More information is available for this program by calling the VIN etching coordinator at the Governor's Auto Theft Strike Force at 781-393-1201.


                             

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Tuesday, September 16, 2008

How to Spot a Stolen Vehicle

Many stolen vehicles are sold to unsuspecting buyers. If you knowingly buy a stolen car, you can be arrested. If you buy a stolen car unknowingly, you could lose the car and your money. To avoid becoming the car thief's second victim, we urge you to keep these tips in mind:

  • When buying from a private individual, make sure the title and registration match the name and address of the person selling the car.
  • Be cautious of a seller with no fixed address, place of employment or phone number.
  • Ask the seller for references about past financing and insurance on the vehicle. Verify the information with the bank, finance company or agent.
  • Ensure the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the automobile's dash is present, secure and unaltered.
  • Check to ensure the VIN plate has not been repainted and the numbers stamped in the plate appear to be the original factory numbers.
  • If in doubt about plate authenticity, check with a new car dealer who handles the same model, or contact a law enforcement agency. (Thieves may remove the VIN plate and replace it with one from a similar wrecked vehicle.)
  • Be suspicious of any deal that seems "too good to be true."


                             

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Monday, September 15, 2008

Don't Let Your Bike Get Ripped Off

Last year in the City of Tempe, we had 668 stolen bicycles reported. The statistics show that bicycle theft is on the rise. A majority of our residents use bicycles as their mode of transportation. Many bicycles are easily stolen because they are not locked at all!

Always lock your bike, even at home. More bikes are stolen from home than from any other location. Lock your bike to a fixed, immovable object like a parking meter or permanent bike rack that is cemented or anchored to the ground. Always lock your bike in a visible and well-lighted area. Select a location where there are other bikes.

The best choice of lock is a strong, reliable U-lock to meet your security needs. Remember, two locks are better than one. The more time and trouble it takes for a thief to attack your bike, the less likely it is that your bike will become a theft statistic.

Several local bicycle shops will register your bicycle to help determine ownership if it is stolen. The above bicycle tips have been provided to help you avoid getting your bike ripped off. Remember, be careful and always ride safely.


                             

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Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Tips to help you prevent vehicle theft

Cars get stolen all the time so you can never guarantee it will not happen to you.Here are some tips to help prevent would-be thieves.

Never leave keys in the ignition when your vehicle is unattended.
Close all windows and lock all doors before leaving your car unattended.
Lock your car when paying for fuel.
Do not leave valuables within view, lock them in the boot or take them with you.
Do not leave registration papers, driver's licence or other papers or cards in an unattended car - this could advise a thief that the home address of the owner is unattended at the time.
Do not have your personal address on tags attached to car keys.
Do not hide spare car keys anywhere on the car.


                             

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Thursday, September 4, 2008

Auto Theft Strategy Achieving Great Success

Following its fourth year of operation, the Regina Auto Theft Strategy has shown an overall 44 per cent reduction in auto thefts. This translates into 1,697 fewer cars stolen in 2005 than in 2001, before the strategy was implemented.
The Auto Theft Strategy involves the provincial departments of Justice and Corrections and Public Safety, Regina Police Services, SGI and various community agencies. The strategy is based on three fundamental principles of responsibility, rehabilitation and reintegration for young offenders.

"Keeping communities safe is a top priority of this Government, and the Regina Auto Theft Strategy is vital in helping us achieve this important objective," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said. "The success of this strategy is due to the strong partnerships amongst such dedicated and hard working organizations within this community."

The Regina Auto Theft Strategy has successfully used curfew checks and linkages to training and employment to change the behaviour of auto theft offenders, Corrections and Public Safety Minister Peter Prebble said. In 2005, Corrections and Public Safety and the Regina Police Service conducted nearly 9,000 curfew checks on repeat offenders to ensure they were staying off the street and out of trouble. Throughout the program, high risk youth who have completed their time in custody have been connected to school, pre-employment training and employment.

I am very pleased with the success of our auto theft strategy - it has made our community safer, Mayor Pat Fiacco said. Our work isn't done; we must continue to reduce auto theft even further. This program is an example of what can be achieved when the provincial government, the city and police work together.

The Regina Auto Theft Strategy is a collaboration designed by frontline workers, assisted by planners, strategists and supervisors. Its success is the result of the commitment of all partners, Regina Police Chief Cal Johnston said.

The Auto Theft Strategy consolidates resources and uses strict controls on high risk offenders, including 24-hour supervision and close monitoring of young offenders who are not in custody.


                             

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