CRIME PREVENTION - Auto Theft
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209-545-7316
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Created in 1996, StanCATT is a proactive auto theft investigative unit consisting of undercover detectives from the California Highway Patrol, Modesto, Ceres, Turlock Police Departments and the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department. Detectives devote their full time efforts to combat and reduce auto thefts.
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For emergency or life threatening situations, Call 9-1-1 |
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Modesto, CA Regains Nation’s Top Spot for Vehicle Thefts Des Plaines, IL—The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported today that the Modesto, CA, Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had the highest per capita rate for vehicle thefts in the nation in 2007. |
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| For 2007, the ten MSAs with the highest vehicle theft rates are: | 2006 Ranking | |
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Each year, NICB analysts review 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, the Modesto MSA includes the entire county of Stanislaus and other municipalities in addition to the city of Modesto. The rate is determined by the number of vehicle theft offenses per 100,000 inhabitants using the 2007 U.S. Census Population Estimates, the most current figures available. Preliminary 2007 crime data released by the FBI in January contains some positive news on the vehicle theft front. Not only is 2007 on track to be the fourth consecutive year of declining vehicle thefts, but if the preliminary figure of -7.4% holds, it will be the largest single year percent drop in thefts since 1999 and it will contribute to the overall 11% reduction in vehicle thefts, nationally, since 2000. However, the good news is no reason for vehicle owners or law enforcement to relax their vigilance. “While there is overall great news in our new report, there is also room for concern,” said NICB President and Chief Executive Officer Robert M. Bryant. “Success against vehicle theft can be fleeting without an ongoing and adaptive program that couples the best in theft prevention/recovery technology with law enforcement operations. We must not become complacent in the wake of success. “Bait cars, license plate readers and owner-applied theft deterrence and recovery systems have delivered outstanding results. In the coming years, technological advances may well defeat vehicle theft as a major crime problem in the United States, but until then we must continue using everything at our disposal to keep achieving the kinds of results that we have had over the last four years,” Bryant said. NICB recommends the following actions under its “layered approach” to vehicle theft protection: Common Sense--An unlocked vehicle with a key in the ignition is an open invitation to any thief, regardless of which anti-theft device you use. The common sense approach to protection is the simplest and most cost-effective way to thwart would-be thieves. Secure your vehicle even if parking for brief periods. You should always:
Warning Device--The second layer of protection is a visible or audible device which alerts thieves that your vehicle is protected. Popular second layer devices include:
Immobilizing Device--The third layer of protection is a device which prevents thieves from bypassing your ignition and hot-wiring the vehicle. Some electronic devices have computer chips in ignition keys. Other devices inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch or button is activated. Popular third layer devices include:
Tracking Device--The final layer of protection is a tracking device which emits a signal to police or a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles. Some systems employ “telematics” which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked via computer. The National Insurance Crime Bureau is the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to preventing, detecting and defeating insurance fraud and vehicle theft through information analysis, investigations, training and public awareness. Anyone with information concerning auto theft and insurance fraud can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422) or by visiting our web site. For the complete information on Hot Spots 2008, please visit www.nicb.org |
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TOP 10 CARS STOLEN IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA This study is based on 1.2 million motor vehicle thefts reported to the National Crime Information Center in 2004 by law enforcement agencies nationwide.
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"An auto theft occurs every 26 seconds in
the United States!" |
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Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department is offering some tips
on how to protect yourself from becoming a
victim of vehicle theft. Many auto thefts that occur throughout the year can be prevented. We see a large number of thefts occur when people leave their car unattended with the keys in the ignition while they are warming it up before work. It is suggested that you remain in your vehicle while it is warming up and the windows are defrosting. Another problem that happens during the holiday season is cars being broken into and valuables stolen. Parking lots are full of cars from Christmas shoppers and this can make an attractive proposition for many thieves. While you are out shopping, be sure to keep all presents and valuables locked in a trunk or out of sight. Be sure that all of your doors are locked and windows are rolled up. If you have anti-theft devices use them. While there is no foolproof way to safeguard a vehicle against theft, there are many "no cost" deterrents owners can use to protect themselves and their automobiles. For example, a thief's greatest enemy is time. The more difficult your vehicle is to steal, the longer it takes to be stolen. The longer it takes, the more likely it is that a thief will move on to an easier target. Here are some tips to help protect you and your vehicle:
In addition, here are a few tips
related to anti-theft devices:
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Last Updated on April 22, 2008 Comments to the Web Master
NICB
PRESS RELEASE