Press Releases

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  1. June 22, 2017
    NICB’s 2016 Hot Spots Vehicle Theft Report Released - Phoenix and Tucson MSA’s slide up the ranking list.

    New Release

    June 22, 2017

     

    NICB’s 2016 Hot Spots Vehicle Theft Report Released -
    Phoenix and Tucson MSA’s slide up the ranking list.

     

    PHOENIX – Last week, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) released their annual “Hot Spots Vehicle Theft Report,” which reveals Albuquerque, New Mexico as the #1 spot, along with six California cities that continue to report the highest per capita auto theft rates in the nation - https://www.nicb.org/newsroom/news-releases/2016-hot-spots-vehicle-theft-report.

    For 2016, Phoenix ranks #52 (compared to #80 in 2015) and Tucson ranks #89 (compared to #99 in 2015).  Historically, Phoenix and Tucson MSA’s spent most of the early 2000’s at the top of the list for auto theft until 2008 when Tucson dropped to #13; Phoenix #19. 

     

    Although auto theft rates have been down, this year’s preliminary FBI UCR data reflects a 6.6% increase in vehicle theft across the nation.  Not only are the numbers of thefts increasing, but carjackings, police pursuits and reckless driving are also becoming more prevalent, putting the public at risk.   
    For 2016, the 10 MSAs with the highest vehicle theft rates were:

     

    2016 Ranking                               # of Thefts 

    		  

     

     

     1.

     Albuquerque, N.M.                

    (10,011)

     

     

     2.

     Pueblo, Colo.

    (1,325)

     

     

     3.

     Bakersfield, Calif.

    (7,176)

     

     

     4.

     Modesto, Calif.

    (3,820)

     

     

     5.

     Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, Calif.       

    (25,708)

     

     

     6.

     Anchorage, Alaska

    (2,273)

     

     

     7.

     Merced, Calif.

    (1,605)

     

     

     8.

     San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, Calif.

    (29,414)

     

     

     9.

     Fresno, Calif.

    (5,682)

     

     

     10.

     Billings, Mont.

    (877)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    52.       Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ                    (13,435)

    89.       Tucson, AZ                                                (2,636)

    116.     Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ                 (520)

    138.     Yuma, AZ                                                   (478)

    284.     Flagstaff, AZ                                              (146)         

    297.     Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ                            (134)

    310.     Prescott, AZ                                               (197)
     

    -more-

     

    As the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year, (1992-2017) the agency vows to continue its fight against auto theft crimes in the state, with the support of our law enforcement, prosecution & community partners.     

     

    Vehicle owners can also take steps to help harden their vehicle defenses to make it an undesirable target for thieves. Criminals do not like to spend a lot of time stealing a vehicle and will move on to a softer target to steal if there are barriers.  Some recommended steps to harden your vehicle defenses are:
     

    •           Always lock your car, close all windows and take the keys with you.

    •           Never leave your car running unattended, even for a minute.

    •           Holiday shopping? Lock gifts and all valuables in the trunk or hidden from

                   view.

    •           Park in well-lit areas, away from dumpsters or large vehicles that can

                   serve as hiding places for thieves or carjackers.

    •           Don't keep a spare set of keys in the car.

    •           Be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious behavior. If you see

                   something, say something.

     

    About the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA): The State agency, funded through semi-annual assessments of over 400 insurance companies, functions as the lead organization in a statewide network of law enforcement, criminal justice and public awareness partners working together to combat auto theft crimes across Arizona. By focusing resources in these areas, the AATA and its statewide law enforcement partners are impacting the state’s declining auto theft rate. To learn more visit www.azwatchyourcar.com.

     

    ###

     

    Microsoft Office document icon 2016 Hot Spots Report June 20 2017.doc
  2. February 28, 2017
    Arizona Automobile Theft Authority Celebrates 25th Anniversary with Auto Theft Prevention Month Kickoff Event – Friday, March 3, 2017

    Arizona Automobile Theft Authority Celebrates 25th Anniversary with
    Auto Theft Prevention Month Kickoff Event – Friday, March 3, 2017

     

    PHOENIX – This year, the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) celebrates 25 years (1992-2017) of fighting auto theft crimes and reports a nearly 60% decrease in statewide thefts since inception.  

     

    Arizona, once the #1 state for auto thefts per capita, now ranks 15th in the nation!  Last year, the Phoenix MSA (Metro Statistical Area), once know nationwide as the “Car Theft Capitol” of the U.S., plunged down the list to 80th place; Tucson, previously #2, fell to #99; Yuma #103.  According to AATA Director, Fred Zumbo, “AATA’s longtime enforcement, prosecution and prevention partners are impacting the state’s auto theft rates; however, auto theft remains a major public issue so our fight is not over.  More sophisticated technologies and strategies are being actively deployed to aid in our fight.”

     

    In the early 1990’s as Arizona’s auto theft rates were sky rocketing, the Legislature created the Automobile Theft Authority to serve as the State’s lead organization working with law enforcement, prosecutors and the community to combat auto crimes across Arizona. The Authority is self-funded through an annual assessment of insurance companies in Arizona; no State General Fund monies are used.

     

    This Friday, March 3rd, the AATA & Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force will kick-off celebrations and the start of the 12th Annual Auto Theft Prevention Month this March by hosting a Free Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Window Etching from 9:00am – 1:00pm at Wesley Bolin Plaza (NE parking lot) -1616 W. Washington Street. 

     

    Other popular AATA prevention and outreach programs include the Watch Your Car decal program, “Watch Your Tail” Tailgate Theft Prevention DIY tips & kits, Carjacking Prevention campaigns and the Annual Auto Theft Prevention Month, Visit the AATA Events Calendar for a listing of events https://aata.az.gov/upcoming-events. 

    Microsoft Office document icon AATA 25th Anniversary March 3rd VIN Etching Event.doc
  3. February 8, 2017
    Arizona Automobile Theft Authority Launches New Statewide Tailgate Theft Prevention Campaign “Watch Your Tail.”

    Arizona Automobile Theft Authority Launches New Statewide Tailgate Theft Prevention Campaign “Watch Your Tail.”

     

    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.

     

    In Arizona, tailgates are being stolen from private vehicles and off dealership lots in most cities at rising rates. Unsecured tailgates can be stolen quickly and without the use of complicated tools.  Replacement tailgates are in high demand and the increasing cost of replacing them has fueled black market demand.  Stolen tailgates are listed on such sites as Ebay and Craigslist for resale as well as sold to scrap dealers. Additionally, a tailgate outfitted with a backup camera and other electronics can cost upward of $3,000 to replace.

      

    According to AATA Director, Fred Zumbo, “The AATA’s top priority is to provide awareness about this crime trend impacting truck owners and is working proactively with Arizona law enforcement to remind residents to lock and secure tailgates at all times.”  Director Zumbo also reported, “The Watch Your Tail campaign also includes Social Media outreach and AATA Grant funds for law enforcement agencies to develop prevention programs.”  Additional tips to deter tailgate thefts include:

    Always lock and secure tailgates. Utilize anti-theft tailgate locking devices, which lock the hinge mechanism manually or electronically.
    Park with the tailgate as close as possible to an object or structure to prevent the tailgate from opening and easily popping out.
    The AATA offers a Simple DIY Kit to Secure Tailgates – A metal hose clamp (diameters 3/4" to 1 3/4") can be installed around the right side of tailgate hinge, tighten with screwdriver. It takes two minutes to install and the tailgate is "locked" in place and cannot be easily removed with the clamp on (AATA staff are available for interactive demonstrations of this process – contact Ann Armstrong 602 364-2892). 

    Microsoft Office document icon Tailgate Theft Prevention Watch Your Tail Campaign.doc
  4. December 12, 2016
    Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force Locates Vehicles Stolen from Car Dealership, State detectives arrest prime suspect

    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. 

     

  5. November 9, 2016
    Free VIN Etching Event in Benson
    PDF icon VIN Event-Benson.pdf
  6. February 26, 2013
    Put the Brakes on Auto Theft in Arizona - Join the AATA's 8th Annual Auto Theft Prevention & Awareness Month
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  7. March 19, 2012
    Police Bait Cars Nab Auto Thieves - Arizona Auto Theft Authority Announces Two Separate Bait Car Arrests in the Past Week
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  8. February 29, 2012
    7th Annual Auto Theft Prevention & Awareness Week
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  9. January 31, 2012
    Arizona Auto Theft Authority Task Force - 13 stolen ATVs recovered in 22 search warrants.

    KPHO Article