AZ. Auto Theft Authority News & Updates January 2010 ________________________________________________________________ 2009 Auto Theft Investigator Awarded to Detective Annette Jacobs, Phoenix Police Department The Az. Auto Theft Investigators Association (AATIA) Announces 2009 Auto Theft Investigator of the Year - Detective Annette Jacobs #6995, Phoenix Police Department for her outstanding work on the Classic Cars Investigation. Detective Jacobs is to be commended for her thorough investigation of well over 200 hours, which led to the recovery of three vehicles valued at $80,000. Three suspects were subsequently arrested and convicted and are currently serving time in jail and the Department of Corrections. Congratulations, Det. Jacobs! Additional $341,000 Swept from AATA FY ‘10 Budget Last month, the Arizona Legislature and Governor Brewer passed another FY10 budget bill (SB 1001, Section 1), which takes another $341,000 from AATA’s budget. In FY’s 09 and 10, the Auto Theft Fund, designated for statewide auto theft reduction programs, has been reduced by over $1.2 million. These reductions have and will continue to have negative impacts on agency operations and statewide auto theft reduction programs, including: Proactive Law Enforcement & Vertical Prosecution programs. Auto Theft Prevention & VIN etching events. AATA and Auto Theft Task Force staff reductions. The AATA continues to evolve as we react to, and attempt to stay proactively ahead of budget reductions. Staff continues to identify new strategies and efficiency savings throughout the agency; we appreciate everyone’s support as we create new and innovative ways to serve our customers and stakeholders. Watch Your Car Program Goes Paperless In an effort to implement cost and time saving approaches with the Watch Your Car (WYC) program, beginning this month, all new WYC program enrollments must primarily come from the AATA’s secure, on-line website application – www.azwatchyourcar.com - go to Watch Your Car Tab on left – Sign Up. The process is quick, easy and saves on postage. The online enrollments are processed MUCH faster and customers will receive their decals within 1 week. Free internet access is available at all public libraries for customers without home computer access. In addition, WYC program cancellation forms can be downloaded from the website then mailed in or simply call our office to complete the cancellation over the phone with an AATA staff member. Carjacking Prevention/Safety Tips While You're Driving... Carjacking often occurs at stop lights or stop signs. Carjackers stage a rear-end collision, and working in pairs, one thief distracts the motorist when he gets out to inspect for damage, then another steals your car. If you suspect a carjacking stay in your car and drive on. If you can't drive on, lean on your horn to attract attention. If you are forced to leave the car behind do not reach for your purse or valuables. Stay alert! Pay attention to what is happening around you. Don't be in a hurry to get to stoplights or signs. Slow down as you see the light change; coast to the stop sign, keeping your car moving forward whenever and wherever possible. Always try to leave enough space in front of the car in front of you for an emergency escape. Know where you are going and how to get there. Lost or confused drivers are more vulnerable than others. Check you rear view mirror to make sure you are not followed into your driveway or garage. Follow us on Facebook (Arizona Auto Theft Authority) and Twitter (azautotheft). Become a Fan - join us on Facebook and Twitter! Check us out for weekly updates on auto theft prevention programs and events, current trends & theft prevention tips. You can link directly to our Facebook Fan Page and Twitter accounts from our website Home Page - www.azwatchyourcar.com If you wish to no longer receive emails, please click here to unsubscribe.