A r i zo n a A u t o m o b i l e Theft Authority www.azwatchyourcar.com November/December 2004 Arizona Experiences Decrease in Auto Thefts for 2003 For the first time since 1999, Arizona experienced a decrease in its vehicle theft rate. The FBI’s 2003 Uniform Crime Report (UCR) indicates there were 56,997 vehicles reported stolen in Arizona, which reflects a 3.8% decrease in the theft rate from 2002. There were more than 1.2 million motor vehicle thefts in the United States in 2003, with an estimated value of approximately $8.6 billion dollars. Additionally, Arizona’s recovery rate increased slightly in 2003 to 66.7% from the previ- Inside This Issue ous year, which was 64.9%. The AATA credits the reduction to several programs and initiatives coordinated by the Agency in recent years as well as statewide law enforcement agencies and the public taking steps to prevent vehicle theft. The AATA’s criminal justice partners deserve special recognition for their continued support and assistance. Chief Sherry Kiyler, Chandler Police Department, appointed to AATA Board of Directors • Business Community Outreach • Farewell to AATA Board Members, Director Dennis Garrett and Richard M. Romley • Watch Your Car Program • 2005 Events Chief Kiyler was appointed to the AATA Board of Directors in March of 2004 by the Arizona Chiefs’ of Police Association and represents a city with a population of one hundred thousand or more. Chief Kiyler was appointed Chandler Police Chief on February 2, 2004. Prior to her appointment as Chandler Police Chief, she served the citizens of Phoenix and the Phoenix Police Department for over thirty-one (31) years. Chief Sherry Kiyler, Chandler Police Department Page 2 A r i zo n a A u t o m o b i l e T h e f t A u t h o r i t y Meet the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority Board of Farewell to AATA Directors — Chief Daniel G. Sharp Chief Daniel G. Sharp, Oro Valley Police Department Chief Daniel G. Sharp has been a member of the AATA Board of Directors since October 2000 and represents a city with a population of onehundred thousand or less. Chief Sharp has served as Oro Valley Police Chief since January 2000 and had been with the Tucson Police Department prior to his appointment. Chief Board Members Sharp currently serves as Chairperson of the AATA’s Law Enforcement Subcommittee. Thank you, Chief Sharp for your continued support and dedication to the AATA as we continue our efforts in combating vehicle theft in the State of Arizona. Farewell to longtime AATA Board Members, Colonel Dennis Garrett, Director, Arizona Department of Public Safety and Richard M. Romley, Maricopa County Attorney. Both have been valuable members of the AATA Board of Directors since 2000. Their service and support has been greatly appreciated and we wish them both the best with their future endeavors. The AATA Partners with Local Businesses to Educate Employees This past summer, the AATA launched an outreach program to local businesses to educate their employees about vehicle theft prevention. The Agency received numerous requests to attend employee presentations and host onsite safety fairs and employee VIN etching events. Some of the corporations include: Arizona Public Service (APS), Farmers Insurance, Farnam Companies, Honeywell, MFS Investment Management, Petsmart, Southwest Gas Corporation, State Farm Insurance, Target, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, and UHaul International. The Agency also partnered with Maricopa County and the State of Arizona to distribute payroll inserts containing vehicle theft prevention information inside employee paychecks. The AATA has received a positive response from the companies we have attended events at and look forward to continuing this outreach program into 2005. Fall 2004 - VIN Etching Event with Phoenix Police Department “I just wanted to a moment to thank you all for your assistance in making this event happen here at MFS. We appreciate the efforts of all involved from the AATA and the Desert Horizon Precinct. The VIN Etching was very well received and everyone praised you guys for all you do in an effort to keep us all safe. I can't thank you enough for your support with this initiative and all the hard work you do here in the valley. Well Done!!!” Thanks again, Tyrone Smith, Senior Security Operations Coordinator MFS Investment Management This past year the Target Corporation has demonstrated their commitment to combating auto theft by hosting VIN etching events in conjunction with Gilbert, Mesa, and Tempe Police Departments at several store locations for their employees and the general public. The AATA would also like to thank Target for a recent grant in the amount of $1,000. Tempe Police Department/AATA partners with Target - June 2004 Page 3 N o v e m b e r /D e c e m b e r 2 0 0 4 Watch Your Car Program Continues to Grow The Watch Your Car Program has experienced tremendous growth over the past two years and we credit much of this growth to law enforcement and the community’s involvement and support. As of December 15, 2004, Watch Your Car enrollments total 73,636. The AATA has Watch Your Car Program materials for use in training personnel as well as free promotional materials available for distribution to residents. Please contact us at 602 364-2889 if you are interested in receiving a Watch Your Car training video or CD. In addition, the AATA is also available to assist with events in your community (or county). If you’re interested in receiving additional information about the Watch Your Car Program, or would like to discuss the program in greater detail, please contact John Almasan, Watch Your Car Program Manager at 602 364-2887. Thank you again for your continued support. 73,636 80,000 70,000 60,000 41,156 50,000 40,000 30,000 18,500 20,000 10,000 2,272 4,131 7,950 12,400 0 FY1998 FY1999 FY2000 FY2001 FY2002 FY2003 FY2004 Save the Dates – Three Upcoming Events in 2005 Mark your calendars - The AATA will be hosting the following events in 2005: 2005/2006 AATA Grant Workshop on February 24, 2005 – 10:00 am at the ADOA Building – 100 N. 15th Avenue, 3rd Floor Conference Rooms. • North American Export Committee (NAEC) Conference – May 15-17, 2005 in Tucson, Arizona at the Starr Pass Marriot Resort & Spa. • 3rd Annual Summit on Vehicle Theft – May 18, 2005 in Tucson, Arizona at the Starr Pass Marriot Resort & Spa. • Additional information will follow in the upcoming months! A r i zo n a A u t o m o b i l e T h e f t A u t h o r i t y 1400 W. WASHINGTON SUITE 270 PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85007 Phone: 602-364-2886 Fax: 602-364-2897 E-mail: aata@aata.state.az.us www.azwatchyourcar.com Toll Free: 1-888-668-4433 Congratulations, Tempe Police Department The Tempe Police Department was awarded the 2004 Vehicle Theft Award of Merit at the Annual International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference in November. The department was recognized for their comprehensive approaches to crime prevention and reducing auto theft in Tempe in 2003. 2005 Board Meeting Schedule January 21, 2005 1. Legislative Issues 2. Election of Board Officers and Subcommittee Assignments March 11, 2005 1. Review of Agency Operational Plan 2. Review of Agency Five-Year Financial Plan May 6, 2005 AATA Grant Programs July 15, 2005 Fiscal Year 2006 Budget September 16, 2005 Audit Report November 18, 2005 AATA Annual Report All Meetings Begin at 10:00 AM at the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority. Above dates and agenda items are subject to change up to 24 hours in advance of the meeting. All meetings are posted in compliance with A.R.S. §38-431.02. An Equal Employment Opportunity Agency Janet Napolitano Governor AATA Board Chairman Mr. Michael Payne State Farm Insurance Company Vice Chairman Sheriff Ralph E. Ogden Yuma County Sheriff Sheriff Joseph Arpaio Maricopa County Sheriff Sergeant Joe Brosius Public Member Mr. Dean C. Butler Farmers Insurance Group Director Dennis Garrett Department of Public Safety Chief Sherry Kiyler Chandler Police Department Robert Carter Olson Pinal County Attorney Ms. Ellen Poole Public Member The Honorable Richard M. Romley Maricopa County Attorney Chief Daniel G. Sharp Oro Valley Police Department Director Stacey K. Stanton Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division AATA Staff Mikel Longman Executive Director Paul Boelhauf Administrative Services Officer Ann Armstrong Public Information Officer Arthur Myer Fiscal Services Specialist John Rares Almasan Program and Project Specialist