Pub. 1 2013 Issue 4

26 San Diego Dealer F or nearly as long as there have been vehicles on the road, there have been vehicle thefts. This is especially true in major border metropolitan areas like San Diego County. More than 11,000 cars and trucks were stolen in 2012 countywide. Thieves continue to steal vehicles for their component parts, for smuggling of both drugs and human beings, and also for exportation to other countries. Among the latest trends in vehicle theft include stolen vehicles being cloned, using a legitimate vehicle identification number multiple times on stolen vehicles to hide their true identity. Still, the majority of suspects are using traditional methods, such as: • Stealing vehicles and generating false documents, such as titles and registration cards. • Selling the vehicle via the Internet and using a false ID or no ID at all to sell the vehicle. (Once the purchaser realizes they purchased a stolen vehicle, it becomes difficult to conduct follow-up.) Most of these vehicles are still being obtained in traditional ways: individuals who leave their keys in or near their unattended vehicles; punched door locks and ignition switches; and, owner give-ups which result in insurance fraud. However, thanks to the relentless efforts of San Diego County’s law enforcement community, nearly 77 percent of those stolen vehicles were recovered last year. Since 1997, the NewCar Dealer Association® San Diego CountyhasbeenasupportingmemberoftheAutoTheftAdvisoryCommittee (ATAC). The ATAC is a partnership between law enforcement agencies, the NCDA, government, insurance companies, car rental companies, and other related busi- nesses who share a common goal to reduce vehicle thefts in San Diego County.The ATAC is currently chaired b y L i e u t e n a n t G l enda B ren t s, California Highway Patrol (CHP) Board Division. Lieutenant Brents explained how the Highway Patrol utilizes technology to help reduce vehicle theft throughout the state. “The CHP maintains the Vehicle Theft Information System (VTIS) as an integral part of the comprehensive Vehicle Theft Control Program. The information available throughVTIS has assisted vehicle theft investigators in analyzing specific data regarding theft and recovery trends, movement of vehicles, and the condition of recovered vehicles.” “Additionally, the CHP actively coordinates and supports legislation in an effort to reduce vehicle theft related crimes,” Brents said. The CHP reviews state and federal regulations and existing laws affecting vehicle theft. As the Statewide Vehicle Theft and Apprehension Coordinator, the CHP provides analysis on numerous legislative proposals designed to impact vehicle theft activities. Also, the CHP publishes an annual report of vehicle theft statistical data. Dealers Provide Support to Officers Combating Vehicle Theft By Lance Roberts