It All Starts with a Stolen Vehicle
Our society is enamored with driving and our individual freedom is often connected with the ability to jump in our car and drive to wherever we would like. The criminal element is aware of this and takes advantage of people distracted by everyday life to steal vehicles. Unfortunately, many of these vehicle thefts … (A I I Guest Post)
http://www.arizonainsuranceinstitute.com/2017/06/20/it-all-starts-with-a-stolen-vehicle
News and Events
June 20, 2017
June 9, 2017
NICB’s 2016 Hot Spots Vehicle Theft Report
Anchorage, AK and Billings, MT Metro Areas Make First-Time Appearance in Top 10 DES PLAINES, Ill.—The Albuquerque, N.M. metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the highest per capita auto theft rate in 2016 according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s (NICB) latest Hot Spots report. Hot Spots examines vehicle theft data obtained from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) for each of the nation’s MSAs. MSAs are designated by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and often include areas much larger than the cities for which they are named. For example, this year’s number one spot, the Albuquerque, N.M. MSA, includes all thefts within the entire county of Bernalillo, not just the city of Albuquerque.
Hot Spot Video - Youtube
April 21, 2017
Jason Barry with Channel 3 (azfamily.com)
PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -
Crooks are starting to get more brazen, committing their crimes in broad daylight.
And the latest trend in theft? Thieves are stealing tailgates from pickup trucks.
Vehicle theft is a big problem in Arizona. But a lot of crooks are now just targeting parts, like tailgates, which they can quickly sell.
The crimes are happening not just at night, but in broad daylight.
Thieves sneak up to someone's pickup truck, then take off with their tailgate.
For the full story and video please click on the link below.
http://www.azfamily.com/story/35214756/thieves-are-targeting-tailgates-in-broad-daylight
April 19, 2017
ARIZONA INSURANCE INSTITUTE
AZ AUTO THEFT AUTHORITY CELEBRATES 25 YEARS; KICKS OFF “PARK SMART” PROGRAM
The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) is dedicated to reducing vehicle theft in Arizona. One of our many partners in this fight is the Town of Marana and recently, AATA Executive Director, Fred Zumbo attended the annual State of the Town event which coincided with the 40th year celebration of incorporation. Director Zumbo took this opportunity to speak with attendees about vehicle theft prevention and how individuals can incorporate safety and Park Smart program tips. This year the AATA also celebrates a milestone – 25 years (1997-2017).....
http://www.arizonainsuranceinstitute.com/category/consumer-information/
March 29, 2017
Ocala StarBanner
Missing a truck tailgate? You're not alone
Florida is No. 3 nationwide in reported thefts of pickup truck tailgates.
By Austin L. Miller
When Kunal Gaekwad started to back his 2016 Ford F-250 King Ranch pickup truck out of his parking spot outside a gym on south Pine Avenue on a recent afternoon, he noticed the backup camera screen was black. Then he noticed why — the tailgate had been stolen.
Gaekwad was the victim of a national trend of thefts of tailgates from a variety of models of pickups.
Nationally, the top states reporting the thefts are Texas and California. Florida is third.
Arizona, which ranks fourth, recently launched a campaign called "Watch Your Tail," sponsored by the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority. One purpose is to encourage residents to lock and secure tailgates with various devices.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the number of truck tailgate thefts nationwide jumped from 430 claims in 2010 to 1,895 in 2014....
http://www.ocala.com/news/20170329/missing-truck-tailgate-youre-not-alone
February 8, 2017
Arizona Daily Sun
Arizona Automobile Theft Authority launches new statewide tailgate theft prevention campaign
PHOENIX — This month, the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) launches a new tailgate theft prevention campaign, “Watch Your Tail” in response to increasing tailgate thefts across the state. Arizona currently ranks fourth (4th) in the U.S. for tailgate thefts behind Texas, California and Florida; Phoenix also ranks 4th for Top 10 Loss Cities for tailgate thefts and reported a 15% increase in thefts last year.
December 12, 2016
Arizona Department of Public Safety -NEWS RELEASE
Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force Locates Vehicles Stolen from Car Dealership
State detectives arrest prime suspect
Tucson, Arizona — On December 6, 2016, the Tucson Police Department requested the assistance of the Tucson Vehicle Theft Task Force (VTTF) which is administered by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The case involved a local car dealership that had been burglarized in which three vehicles and 30 sets of keys were stolen from the business.
For the rest of the release please click on the link below.
December 9, 2016
Nogales International
Operation Chain Link’ nets cash, vehicles
A three-day multi-agency policing effort at the border in Nogales netted more than $20,000 in cash and recovered three stolen vehicles, authorities said.
On Dec. 1, the first day of “Operation Chain Link,” officers deployed at a Nogales port of entry selected a suspicious vehicle for a secondary inspection before the driver could cross into Mexico, the Department of Homeland Security said in a news release. After the officials found more than $10,000 in undeclared funds, they arrested the driver and seized the vehicle.
The following day, officers recovered one stolen vehicle and arrested the driver, DHS said. The driver and vehicle were then turned over to the Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force.
November 29, 2016
Bensonnews-sun.com
While shoppers scurry in search of that special gift, so too are thieves who are looking to put the grinch on your holidays.
Annually, holiday shoppers can provide prime targets for would-be car thieves who can access your locked vehicle and be down the road in a matter of seconds.
With that in mind, the Arizona Auto Theft Authority & Auto Theft Task Force are teaming up with a myriad of agencies to include Benson Police Dept., Arizona Department of Public Safety and the National Insurance Crime Bureau on Friday, Dec. 9, in the Walmart parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 201 S. Prickly Pear.
http://www.bensonnews-sun.com/news/article_f4462162-b67f-11e6-83fc-579831992eeb.html
October 18, 2016
ParkerPineer.net
The La Paz County Attorney’s Office is sponsoring a program where motor vehicle owners can get their Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) etched into their windshields for free. The goal of the program is to cut down an auto theft by making cars less attractive to thieves.
Vehicle owners can get their VINs etched from 8 a.m. to 12 noon Oct. 22 at the Quartzsite Community Center, 295 E. Chandler Street. The following weekend, etching will be done from 8 a.m. to 12 noon Oct. 29 at the CRIT Tribal Fairgrounds at Manataba Park, Mohave Road and Second Avenue.
http://www.parkerpioneer.net/news/article_0cf8859c-956f-11e6-a2d4-477434e6749d.html
