From the mid-1980s, auto theft rates started to rise, creating concern among Arizona residents.  An analysis of vehicle theft statistics from 1990 to 1995 revealed a dramatic increase in Arizona’s vehicle thefts. The auto theft numbers increased more than 50 percent from 31,648 stolen vehicles in 1990 to 48,830 stolen vehicles in 1995, making Arizona the highest-ranking state in the nation for auto theft (number of thefts per 100,000 residents). Unfortunately, vehicle theft was only getting worse in Arizona.  The low point was reached in 2002, when Arizona reported its highest total number of thefts, 56,876, and a theft rate that was once again the highest in the nation (National Crime Insurance Bureau and FBI UCR Data).  The data indicated that vehicle theft was impacting the residents of Arizona and visitors.

To reduce auto theft, the Arizona Legislature 1992 established the Automobile Theft Prevention Authority to assist law enforcement entities in reducing auto theft.  In 1996, the Arizona Legislature passed House Bill 2178, which changed the name of the Automobile Theft Prevention Authority to the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority.  House Bill 2178 outlined the Automobile Theft Authority’s responsibilities and created the Automobile Theft Authority Fund “to assist law enforcement with funding and programs to reduce the incidence of automobile theft” (Sec. 15).  In November 1996, the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority provided a grant to the Arizona Department of Public Safety to create the statewide multi-agency Vehicle Theft Task Force.  

In March 1997, the Vehicle Theft Task Force was fully operational with one Lieutenant, a secretary, and two operational squads. By 2004, the Task Force had expanded to six squads and a staff of 43 personnel from 15 different agencies stationed in Maricopa, Pinal, Pima, Santa Cruz, Yuma, Cochise, Mohave, and Yavapai counties.

Currently, the Vehicle Theft Task Force is organized into four operational squads, consisting of 19 detectives from 11 agencies in the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas, Yuma and Nogales.  While the task force has seen a reduction in personnel, it has become more efficient in recovering stolen vehicles and apprehending suspects responsible for vehicle theft.

Since the inception of the Vehicle Theft Task Force in 1997, Arizona’s auto theft rate has decreased by more than 56% from 44,201 in 1997 to 19,139 in 2018 (FBI UCR - Crime in the United States 1997-1998).  From 2000 through 2007, the total number of auto thefts eclipsed 1997 but has since fallen consistently to today’s lower number (FBI UCR).   Since 2017 and 2018, Arizona has no longer been listed among the nation’s top ten for vehicle theft.

The Vehicle Theft Task Force has influenced vehicle theft rates and is regarded as a subject matter expert in auto theft, especially regarding fraud and organized crime.  In 2019, the Vehicle Theft Task Force recovered 1,635 stolen vehicles (136 were repatriated stolen vehicles from Mexico) with an estimated value of more than $23.7 million.  Focused on apprehending prolific offenders rather than just recovering the stolen vehicle, the Vehicle Theft Task Force arrested 306 suspects for vehicle theft-related crimes, shut down 15 chop shops, and served 45 search warrants.  Recognized as subject matter experts in auto theft, detectives provided more than 550 training hours in auto theft investigations and vehicle identification techniques to law enforcement personnel, county attorneys, and Mexican law enforcement personnel.  The Vehicle Theft Task Force also devoted more than 3250 hours to border relations, border investigations, and transnational crime investigations.

Arizona, once the nation’s highest state for auto theft rates, now enjoys placement outside the top ten.  While we are encouraged by the progress achieved, there is still more work to be done because vehicle theft continues to be a challenge for Arizona.

Vehicle theft is often a crime of opportunity that can be reduced through awareness and prevention. The quicker a car thief can steal your vehicle, the more attractive it is. However, you can discourage would-be thieves by making theft more difficult. Anything you can do to slow down car thieves will make your vehicle a less appealing target.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), 2019 there were 794,019 auto thefts in the United States. This was down from 819,988 in 2018 and 833,740 in 2017 (NICB 2019 Hot Spots Vehicle Theft Report). With more than 2,175 vehicles stolen each day, auto theft is preventable.

Auto theft-related crimes impact the community. While vehicle theft is classified as a property crime, according to the Arizona Auto Theft Authority, it is often linked to other more serious crimes with severe consequences far beyond just a stolen vehicle. The Colorado Automobile Theft Prevention Authority reports that 74% of car thieves are charged with additional offenses such as drug crimes, armed robbery, home invasion, and identity theft (https://lockdownyourcar.org/?s=lock+down+your+car).

The automobile industry continuously evolves its theft prevention technology to stay ahead of the thieves. Despite the reduction in vehicle thefts over the past several years, industry observers caution that thieves continually evolve sophisticated means to defeat these new security devices.

That said, knowing some key elements of theft prevention is essential. Locking your car doors is one of the most effective barriers to auto theft; however, it is only the start. You can make it more difficult to steal your vehicle by incorporating these four steps:

1. Use Common Sense

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Lock your doors, even when driving, and roll up your windows.
• Take your keys out of the car.
• Never leave your vehicle running unattended, not even for a minute, even when locked. Even if your key fob is with you, breaking a window and driving off with your car does not take much.
• Do not leave your children or pets unattended in your car.
• Always park in well-lit areas.
• Do not keep a spare set of keys in the car. This can allow thieves to access your home and other property. All a thief needs is your spare house key or a key fob left in your car to have unlimited access to your possessions.
• Remove your valuables from your car or hide them in the trunk or out of view.
• Report anything suspicious and avoid suspicious-looking people.
• Review your insurance policy annually to ensure you have the coverage you expect. Do not wait until after your car is stolen to find out you don’t have the coverage you think you have.
• Implement and use #9PMRoutineAZ.

2. Invest in an Anti-Theft Device / Warning Device

• Audible alarm system
• Steering wheel locks
• Steering column collars
• Enroll in the “Watch Your Car” program
• Tire locks
• Window Alarm
• Window-VIN etching

3. Vehicle Immobilizer

This is a device that prevents thieves from hot-wiring your vehicle. Some electronic devices have computer chips in ignition keys. Other devices inhibit the power or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch or button is activated.

• Smart keys have computer chips that must be present to start the car.
• Fuse cut-offs
• Ignition cut-off system
• Kill-switches
• Starter, ignition, and fuel disablers

4. Tracking System

• You can install a tracking device that alerts police or a monitoring service when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very useful in helping law enforcement authorities recover stolen vehicles.

Trust your Instincts - If you see suspicious activity, trust your instincts, and never confront anyone yourself. Reporting suspicious persons and behaviors is an important step you can take to help keep you and your community safe. If you hear or see something suspicious, please call the police right away.

• Drive with windows rolled up and doors locked.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not enter your vehicle if someone is loitering in the area. Seek help.
• When stopped at a signal, please leave enough space between you and the next car to be able to drive away if you've been contacted.
• Be alert at drive-up ATMs.
• If all else fails, do not resist.
• Remember, your life is more important.
• There is no wrong answer to theft prevention if it works. But most importantly, it must be utilized.

Being prepared in advance helps law enforcement recover your vehicle more quickly and reduce expenses. Please take pictures of your vehicle, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance and keep them on your phone. Make photocopies and keep a set in your wallet/purse or at home if you can. This will enable you to provide information quickly to law enforcement and your insurance claims agent. If your car is stolen, please take the following steps:

• Please contact local law enforcement right away or call 911. Speed is essential in recovering a stolen vehicle; any delay in reporting will only help the thieves. Be prepared to provide your vehicle’s make, model, color, license plate number, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Provide law enforcement with any distinct features of your vehicle that can help quickly identify your vehicle. This can include distinguishing marks like decals, pinstriping, or unrepaired body damage in a specific place. Advise law enforcement if you have a GPS or tracking system installed on your vehicle.
• If you see someone stealing or tampering with your car, use extreme caution and do not approach the suspect. Could you call 911 as quickly as possible?
• Could you make a list of personal property that was in your car?
• Call your insurance company.
• Contact your lienholder or leasing company.
• Be alert to ID theft. You may have had items in your vehicle that included your address or personal information.
• Be alert to home burglary - Did you leave your spare keys in your car? If a thief finds these, a thief can use your car registration or insurance information to find your address and a way into your home.