Arizona Automobile
Theft Authority
2005 Annual Report

Table of Contents
Letter to the Governor

3

Board of Directors

4

Executive Summary

6

Initiatives

17

Watch Your Car

26

Financial Report

27

Impact of AATA on Motor
Vehicle Insurance Costs

30

Future of the AATA

30

Special Thanks

32

Mission Statement
To deter vehicle theft through a statewide cooperative effort by supporting law
enforcement activities, vertical prosecution, and public awareness/community
education programs.

State of Arizona
Arizona Automobile Theft Authority
@Copyright 2005
The Copyright to all content of this report is held by the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority, except as indicated otherwise. All rights are reserved.

2

Letter to the Governor
The Honorable Janet Napolitano
Governor of Arizona
1700 West Washington
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Dear Governor Napolitano:
It is with great pleasure that we present the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority’s (AATA) Annual Report
for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005.
The AATA is pleased to report a three percent (3%) reduction in Arizona’s vehicle theft rate for 2004
which has reduced Arizona from number one to number two in national rank, according to recent
statistics released in the 2004 FBI Uniform Crime Report. This reduction represents the second straight
year Arizona has realized a decrease in its auto theft rate. The AATA believes its current initiatives,
programs and partnerships are beginning to take hold and have an impact on Arizona’s vehicle theft rate.
Although the Agency is encouraged by the reduction, we know a great deal of work remains to continue
to reduce Arizona’s vehicle theft rate.
Although the statistical vehicle theft information contained in this report reflects calendar year 2004 data,
the AATA is pleased to report that several Arizona cities continue to experience a reduction in auto thefts
for the first three quarters of calendar year 2005.
The continuing vehicle theft problem and growing population in Arizona requires a coordinated statewide
effort to develop, implement and sustain successful programs and inter-agency cooperation to combat
vehicle theft in the state. Arizona’s proximity to Mexico, the declining recovery rate and homeland
security concerns mandate employing partnerships on a national and international level to curtail vehicle
theft by organized criminal groups and deter exportation of stolen vehicles to finance other criminal
activities and international terrorism.
The AATA remains committed to reducing the incidence of vehicle theft in the state with support from the
insurance industry, criminal justice agencies, community organizations, and business partners, and looks
forward to continued service to the citizens of Arizona.
Respectfully,

Michael T. Payne, CPCU
Chairman of the Board

3

Board of Directors

June 30, 2005

Michael T. Payne, Chairman of the Board
State Farm Insurance Company
Michael Payne was appointed to the AATA Board of Directors in 1999 and was elected Board Chairman on
January 5, 2001. Mr. Payne holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University.
Mr. Payne began his career with State Farm Insurance as an auto claim representative. He has served as
Section Manager for the Special Investigation Unit, Auto Claims Central, and is currently the Management
Planning and Information Manager.

Sheriff Ralph E. Ogden, Vice Chairman
Yuma County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Ralph Ogden was appointed to the AATA Board of Directors in 1997 by the Arizona Sheriff’s
Association. Sheriff Ogden occupies one of two Sheriff positions on the AATA Board, representing a county
with a population of five hundred thousand or less. Sheriff Ogden began his career in law enforcement more
than 30 years ago and was elected Yuma County Sheriff in 1993. His experience includes four years in the
Marine Corps, Chief Deputy for the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office and a graduate of the FBI National
Academy.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Joe Arpaio was appointed to the AATA Board of Directors in February 2003 by the Arizona Sheriff’s
Association. Sheriff Arpaio occupies one of two Sheriff positions on the AATA Board, representing a county
with a population of five hundred thousand or more. Sheriff Arpaio has been the Sheriff of Maricopa County
since 1993 and brings with him over 40 years of law enforcement experience.

Sergeant Joe Brosius
Public Member
Governor Napolitano appointed Sergeant Joe Brosius of the Tempe Police Department, to the AATA Board
of Directors on January 19, 2004. Sergeant Brosius occupies one of two public member positions on the
AATA Board. He brings over thirty years of law enforcement experience, with eighteen of those years in the
area of vehicle theft investigation.

Dean C. Butler
Farmers Insurance Company
Dean Butler was appointed to the AATA Board of Directors on January 5, 2001. Mr. Butler is the Marketing
Support Manager with the Phoenix Service Center of Farmers Insurance and has over 25 years of experience
in the insurance industry. Mr. Butler represents one of two insurance industry positions on the AATA Board.

Chief Sherry Kiyler
Chandler Police Department
Chief Sherry Kiyler was appointed to the AATA Board of Directors in 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 years.

Barbara LaWall
Pima County Attorney
Barbara LaWall has been a member of the AATA Board of Directors since April 2005. She occupies the
County Attorney position on the AATA Board, representing a county with a population of five hundred
thousand or more. Ms. LaWall, currently in her third elected term as Pima County Attorney, first assumed
office in 1996 as the first woman to be elected Pima County Attorney.

4

Robert Carter Olson
Pinal County Attorney
Governor Napolitano appointed Mr. Olson to the AATA Board of Directors in February 2004. Mr. Olson
occupies the County Attorney position on the AATA Board, representing a county with a population of
five hundred thousand or less. Mr. Olson has served as the Pinal County Attorney since 1996. His office
was one of the first counties to embrace the concept of Vertical Prosecution of vehicle theft cases and has
been extremely supportive of the AATA’s Vertical Prosecution Grant Program since its inception in 2000.

Ellen Poole
Public Member
Ellen Poole has been a member of the AATA Board of Directors since 1999 and occupies one of two public
member positions. Ms. Poole joined the USAA Insurance Company in October 2002 as Executive Director,
Southwest Region Government Liaison. Prior to joining USAA, Ms. Poole was with the Arizona Bankers
Association and had served three years as the legislative research analyst for the Arizona State Senate
Banking and Insurance Committee. Ms. Poole earned her law degree from George Washington University
and holds two bachelor’s degrees from Virginia Tech.

Chief Daniel G. Sharp
Oro Valley Police Department
Chief Sharp was appointed to the AATA Board of Directors in October 2000 by the Arizona Chiefs’ of Police
Association and represents a city with a population of one hundred 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 Sharp brings over 25 years of law enforcement experience to the AATA
Board.

Director Stacey K. Stanton
Motor Vehicle Division, Arizona Department of Transportation
Stacey Stanton has been a member of the AATA Board of Directors since 1999. Ms. Stanton was appointed
to lead the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division in December 1999. She has
worked with the Motor Vehicle Division for many years, overseeing the division’s customer service program
in Phoenix and later, heading the division’s legislative program and policy unit. Ms. Stanton has a bachelor’s
degree from Arizona State University.

Director Roger Vanderpool
Arizona Department of Public Safety
Roger Vanderpool was appointed Director of the Department of Public Safety by Governor Napolitano in
March 2005. Director Vanderpool is the former Pinal County Sheriff; twice elected Sheriff. Prior to being
first elected Sheriff, Director Vanderpool served 20 years with DPS and had been a police officer in Indiana.
Director Vanderpool is a U.S. Army veteran having served in Germany. He serves on over 40 different
state boards and commissions.

Arizona Automobile Theft Authority Staff
Enrique Cantu
Executive Director

Paul Boelhauf

Ann Armstrong

Arthur Myer

John Rares Almasan

Deputy Director

Public Information Officer

Fiscal Services Specialist

WYC Program Manager

5

Executive Summary
Introduction

The funding mechanism for the AATA is a premiere
example of a unique government/business/consumer
partnership. The prime beneficiaries, specifically the
insurance industry and vehicle owners/insurance
consumers totally support the government services
from which they benefit. Additionally, all citizens
benefit from the services provided by this Agency,
since vehicle theft is associated with many other
criminal activities.

The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) fiscal year is
from July 1st to June 30th. The budget is appropriated
biannually by the Arizona Legislature.
All motor vehicle theft statistics included in this report are
based on the calendar year ending December 31, 2004
including those statistics cited from the 2004 Uniform Crime
Report, published by the Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI) and the 2004 Crime in Arizona Report published by the
Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Summary

Accordingly, this report contains a combination of data
sources reflecting both calendar year 2004 and fiscal year
2005 information. Discrepancies are recognized between the
Uniform Crime Report and the Crime in Arizona Report, due
to different reporting requirements. Statistics listed in the
Crime in Arizona Report do not include crimes reported to
Federal or tribal agencies located in Arizona.

The FBI’s 2004 Uniform Crime Report (UCR)
indicates there were more than 1.2 million motor vehicle
thefts in the United States in 2004, with an estimated
value of approximately $8.2 billion dollars. In Arizona,
there were 55,306 vehicles reported stolen during 2004,
which reflects a 3.0% decrease in the theft rate from
2003.

2004 ARIZONA CRIME CLOCK

one
VIOLENT CRIME
every 18 min. 31 sec.
one
MAJOR CRIME
every 1 min. 35 sec.
one
PROPERTY CRIME
every 1 min. 44 sec.

The crime clock should be viewed with care. Being the most aggregate representation of UCR data, it is designed to
convey the annual reported crime experience by showing the relative frequency of occurrence of the Offenses. This
mode of display should not be taken to imply regularity in the commission of the Offenses; rather, it represents the
annual ration of crime to affixed time intervals.
Source: Arizona Department of Public Safety 2004 Crime in Arizona Report

6

one
MURDER
every 21 hrs. 16 min.
one
FORCIBLE RAPE
every 4 hrs. 41 min.
one
ROBBERY
every 1 hr. 9 min.
one
AGGRAVATED
ASSAULT
every 28 min. 34 sec.

one
BURGLARY
every 9 min. 26 sec.
one
LARCENY — THEFT
every 2 min. 44 sec.
one
MOTOR VEHICLE
THEFT
every 9 min. 42 sec.
one
ARSON
every 5 hrs. 44 min.

The FBI’s UCR reflects that with approximately 23.0 percent
of the U.S. population, the Western states accounted for 36.2
percent of all motor vehicle thefts in the Nation in 2004. By
volume, the largest number of motor vehicle thefts, an
estimated 447,930, occurred in this region.

The estimated number of motor vehicle thefts went up 3.2
percent from last year’s number. Also on the rise from the
2003 number was the motor vehicle theft rate, estimated at
664.5 offenses per 100,000, an increase of 1.7 percent.

Arizona Economic Loss: 1994-2004

$50,000,000

$365,071,130

$275,235,960

$237,020,821

$227,091,068

$224,903,234

$100,000,000

$188,058,742

$150,000,000

$219,123,671

$200,000,000

$196,219,736

$250,000,000

$367,680,390

Total $$$ Loss

$300,000,000

$377,268,513

$350,000,000

$322,852,704

$400,000,000

$0
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
The UCR also shows that in cities collectively, the number of
motor vehicle thefts decreased 2.9 percent in 2004 compared
with the previous year’s data. From 2003 to 2004, the number
of motor vehicle thefts reported by law enforcement in all city
population groups decreased. The Nation’s largest cities, those
with populations of 250,000 and over, experienced the greatest
decline—4.0 percent. The most current Census data indicates
Arizona’s population is 5,743,834, which reflects an increase

of over 626,000 people or 12.2 percent since 2000. Arizona’s
population growth and our proximity to Mexico, remain primary
factors in the continued rate of vehicle theft and other criminal
activity. Despite the growth in population, the 2004 UCR
reported that Arizona’s theft rate fell to number two in the
nation, behind Nevada.

Arizona Population: 1910-2000
5,000,000

3,665,228

2,716,546

749,587

435,573

1,775,399

0

334,162

1,000,000

204,354

2,000,000

499,261

3,000,000

1,302,161

AZ. Population Growth

4,000,000

5,130,632

6,000,000

1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000
Arizona’s current estimated population (2004) = 5,743,834
Note: Source — U.S. Census Bureau

7

Summary continued
Arizona ranks fourth (4th) in the nation in actual number of vehicles stolen, and dropped down to third (3rd) place in
the country for vehicle thefts per capita, behind Washington, D.C., and Nevada. Arizona experienced a decrease in
vehicle thefts and its theft rate, while other states posted significantly higher percentage increases in 2004, as
demonstrated on the chart below.

Motor Vehicle Theft by State
Comparison 2003/2004
Ranked by % Change for Calendar Year 2003 to 2004
RANK
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
17
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52

STATE
New Mexico
Nevada
Kansas
Arkansas
Washington
West Virginia
Colorado
California
Idaho
Georgia
Indiana
New Hampshire
North Carolina
Wyoming
Oklahoma
Connecticut
Ohio
South Carolina
Louisiana
Utah
Maryland
Minnesota
Oregon
Virginia
Arizona
South Dakota
Illinois
Iowa
Florida
Texas
Michigan
Alabama
Tennessee
Kentucky
Rhode Island
Pennsylvania
Wisconsin
Alaska
New York
Missouri
Maine
Hawaii
Vermont
Mississippi
New Jersey
Massachusetts
Nebraska
District of Columbia
Montana
North Dakota
Puerto Rico
Delaware
United States

TOTAL # in 2004

TOTAL # in 2003

7,902
22,635
8,435
6,491
43,233
3,739
24,063
252,604
2,724
44,238
21,091
1,942
26,988
799
12,957
11,025
40,853
15,637
19,714
7,651
35,858
13,518
18,535
17,411
55,306
846
40,355
5,404
78,325
94,077
50,555
14,024
24,749
8,772
4,078
30,969
11,374
2,240
41,002
25,893
1,303
8,620
575
7,879
30,306
22,053
5,287
8,408
1,618
906
10,128
2,147
1,247,242

7,256
20,838
7,777
6,010
40,619
3,524
22,699
241,326
2,609
43,371
20,768
1,917
26,892
798
12,958
11,026
40,996
15,762
19,882
7,764
36,405
13,759
18,989
17,914
56,997
874
41,764
5,601
81,563
98,204
53,736
14,957
26,410
9,366
4,387
33,442
12,320
2,448
45,217
28,659
1,456
9,651
646
8,949
34,568
25,506
6,124
9,903
1,906
1,078
12,211
2,880
1,272,682

*Motor Vehicle Theft Rate Per 100,000 Inhabitants
Information obtained from the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation 2004 Uniform Crime Report

8

% CHANGE

*RATE/100,000

8.9%
8.6%
8.5%
8.0%
6.4%
6.1%
6.0%
4.7%
4.4%
2.0%
1.6%
1.3%
0.4%
0.1%
0.0%
0.0%
-0.3%
-0.8%
-0.8%
-1.5%
-1.5%
-1.8%
-2.4%
-2.8%
-3.0%
-3.2%
-3.4%
-3.5%
-4.0%
-4.2%
-5.9%
-6.2%
-6.3%
-6.3%
-7.0%
-7.4%
-7.7%
-8.5%
-9.3%
-9.7%
-10.5%
-10.7%
-11.0%
-12.0%
-12.3%
-13.5%
-13.7%
-15.1%
-15.1%
-16.0%
-17.1%
-25.5%
-2.0%

415.2
969.5
308.4
235.8
696.9
206.0
522.9
703.8
195.5
501.0
338.1
149.4
316.0
157.7
367.7
314.7
356.5
372.5
436.6
320.3
645.2
265.0
515.6
233.4
962.9
109.7
317.4
182.9
450.2
418.3
499.9
309.6
419.4
211.6
377.4
249.6
206.5
341.8
213.3
450.0
98.9
682.6
92.5
271.4
348.4
343.7
302.6
1,519.0
174.6
142.8
260.0
258.6
387.44

Motor Vehicle Theft by State
Comparison 2003/2004
Ranked by Total Vehicle Thefts for Calendar Year 2003 to 2004
RANK
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
17
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52

STATE
California
Texas
Florida
Arizona
Michigan
Georgia
Washington
New York
Ohio
Illinois
Maryland
Pennsylvania
New Jersey
North Carolina
Missouri
Tennessee
Colorado
Nevada
Massachusetts
Indiana
Louisiana
Oregon
Virginia
South Carolina
Alabama
Minnesota
Oklahoma
Wisconsin
Connecticut
Puerto Rico
Kentucky
Hawaii
Kansas
District of Columbia
New Mexico
Mississippi
Utah
Arkansas
Iowa
Nebraska
Rhode Island
West Virginia
Idaho
Alaska
Delaware
New Hampshire
Montana
Maine
North Dakota
South Dakota
Wyoming
Vermont
United States

TOTAL # in 2004

TOTAL # in 2003

252,604
94,077
78,325
55,306
50,555
44,238
43,233
41,002
40,853
40,355
35,858
30,969
30,306
26,988
25,893
24,749
24,063
22,635
22,053
21,091
19,714
18,535
17,411
15,637
14,024
13,518
12,957
11,374
11,025
10,128
8,772
8,620
8,435
8,408
7,902
7,879
7,651
6,491
5,404
5,287
4,078
3,739
2,724
2,240
2,147
1,942
1,618
1,303
906
846
799
575
1,247,242

241,326
98,204
81,563
56,997
53,736
43,371
40,619
45,217
40,996
41,764
36,405
33,442
34,568
26,892
28,659
26,410
22,699
20,838
25,506
20,768
19,882
18,989
17,914
15,762
14,957
13,759
12,958
12,320
11,026
12,211
9,366
9,651
7,777
9,903
7,256
8,949
7,764
6,010
5,601
6,124
4,387
3,524
2,609
2,448
2,880
1,917
1,906
1,456
1,078
874
798
646
1,272,682

*Motor Vehicle Theft Rate Per 100,000 Inhabitants
Information obtained from the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation 2004 Uniform Crime Report

9

% CHANGE

*RATE/100,000

4.7%
-4.2%
-4.0%
-3.0%
-5.9%
2.0%
6.4%
-9.3%
-0.3%
-3.4%
-1.5%
-7.4%
-12.3%
0.4%
-9.7%
-6.3%
6.0%
8.6%
-13.5%
1.6%
-0.8%
-2.4%
-2.8%
-0.8%
-6.2%
-1.8%
0.0%
-7.7%
0.0%
-17.1%
-6.3%
-10.7%
8.5%
-15.1%
8.9%
-12.0%
-1.5%
8.0%
-3.5%
-13.7%
-7.0%
6.1%
4.4%
-8.5%
-25.5%
1.3%
-15.1%
-10.5%
-16.0%
-3.2%
0.1%
-11.0%
-2.0%

703.8
418.3
450.2
962.9
499.9
501.0
696.9
213.3
356.5
317.4
645.2
249.6
348.4
316.0
450.0
419.4
522.9
969.5
343.7
338.1
436.6
515.6
233.4
372.5
309.6
265.0
367.7
206.5
314.7
260.0
211.6
682.6
308.4
1,519.0
415.2
271.4
320.3
235.8
182.9
302.6
377.4
206.0
195.5
341.8
258.6
149.4
174.6
98.9
142.8
109.7
157.7
92.5
387.44

Motor Vehicle Theft by State
Comparison 2003/2004
Ranked by Vehicle Theft Rate for Calendar Year 2003 to 2004
RANK
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
17
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52

STATE
District of Columbia
Nevada
Arizona
California
Washington
Hawaii
Maryland
Colorado
Oregon
Georgia
Michigan
Florida
Missouri
Louisiana
Tennessee
Texas
New Mexico
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Oklahoma
Ohio
New Jersey
Massachusetts
Alaska
Indiana
Utah
Illinois
North Carolina
Connecticut
Alabama
Kansas
Nebraska
Mississippi
Minnesota
Puerto Rico
Delaware
Pennsylvania
Arkansas
Virginia
New York
Kentucky
Wisconsin
West Virginia
Idaho
Iowa
Montana
Wyoming
New Hampshire
North Dakota
South Dakota
Maine
Vermont
United States

TOTAL # in 2004

TOTAL # in 2003

8,408
22,635
55,306
252,604
43,233
8,620
35,858
24,063
18,535
44,238
50,555
78,325
25,893
19,714
24,749
94,077
7,902
4,078
15,637
12,957
40,853
30,306
22,053
2,240
21,091
7,651
40,355
26,988
11,025
14,024
8,435
5,287
7,879
13,518
10,128
2,147
30,969
6,491
17,411
41,002
8,772
11,374
3,739
2,724
5,404
1,618
799
1,942
906
846
1,303
575
1,247,242

9,903
20,838
56,997
241,326
40,619
9,651
36,405
22,699
18,989
43,371
53,736
81,563
28,659
19,882
26,410
98,204
7,256
4,387
15,762
12,958
40,996
34,568
25,506
2,448
20,768
7,764
41,764
26,892
11,026
14,957
7,777
6,124
8,949
13,759
12,211
2,880
33,442
6,010
17,914
45,217
9,366
12,320
3,524
2,609
5,601
1,906
798
1,917
1,078
874
1,456
646
1,272,682

*Motor Vehicle Theft Rate Per 100,000 Inhabitants
Information obtained from the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation 2004 Uniform Crime Report

10

% CHANGE

*RATE/100,000

-15.1%
8.6%
-3.0%
4.7%
6.4%
-10.7%
-1.5%
6.0%
-2.4%
2.0%
-5.9%
-4.0%
-9.7%
-0.8%
-6.3%
-4.2%
8.9%
-7.0%
-0.8%
0.0%
-0.3%
-12.3%
-13.5%
-8.5%
1.6%
-1.5%
-3.4%
0.4%
0.0%
-6.2%
8.5%
-13.7%
-12.0%
-1.8%
-17.1%
-25.5%
-7.4%
8.0%
-2.8%
-9.3%
-6.3%
-7.7%
6.1%
4.4%
-3.5%
-15.1%
0.1%
1.3%
-16.0%
-3.2%
-10.5%
-11.0%
-2.0%

1,519.0
969.5
962.9
703.8
696.9
682.6
645.2
522.9
515.6
501.0
499.9
450.2
450.0
436.6
419.4
418.3
415.2
377.4
372.5
367.7
356.5
348.4
343.7
341.8
338.1
320.3
317.4
316.0
314.7
309.6
308.4
302.6
271.4
265.0
260.0
258.6
249.6
235.8
233.4
213.3
211.6
206.5
206.0
195.5
182.9
174.6
157.7
149.4
142.8
109.7
98.9
92.5
387.44

As of June 30, 2004, the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) reported
that there were 5,079,849 vehicles registered in Arizona. With
55,306 vehicles reported stolen in the 2004 Crime in Arizona
report, this equates to about 1% of the total number of vehicles
registered in Arizona.

Vehicle theft continues to be a challenge for Arizona,
and current statistics reinforce the importance of a
coordinated effort to effectively deter, investigate,
prosecute as well as educate the public on vehicle theft
prevention strategies.

Arizona Vehicle Theft Trends
*Total Vehicle Thefts: 1994-2004
56,876 56,222

60,000
50,000

51,833
41,818

45,577
40,606

42,924

40,000

39,605 37,824

55,306

43,060

30,000
# of Thefts
20,000
10,000
0
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004

*Vehicle Thefts Rates: 1994-2004

1,500

1,158

1,200

1,067
927

900

970

974
865

801

1,039 999

839

963

600
Theft Rate
300
0
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
*Note: Numbers/values used in the above graphs reflect information contained in
the annual Crime in Arizona reports, published by the Arizona Department
of Public Safety (AzDPS).

11

Summary continued
From January 2004 - October 2005, the AATA received over
36,000 Watch Your Car enrollments as a result of this
program.

The AATA is governed by a 12-member Board of Directors,
appointed by the Governor and other organizations.
Members of the AATA Board include two police chiefs;
two sheriffs; two county attorneys, the Directors of the
Department of Public Safety, and Motor Vehicle Division;
two employees representing the insurance industry; and
two members of the general public. The AATA has a
five-person staff responsible for executing the Agency’s
strategic plan.

In September 2005, the AATA mailed 800 Customer
Satisfaction surveys to a random sampling of current
Watch Your Car members who had been enrolled in the
program. The AATA received 393 completed surveys
(49.1% return rate) and the responses have been tabulated.
(See Figure 2)

Each year the AATA Board of Directors awards grants to
law enforcement agencies and county attorney offices
throughout the State. The grant programs work to deter
vehicle theft, apprehend thieves, and convict auto theft
criminals.

In general, the returned surveys have served as an effective
tool to measure awareness and effectiveness of
the AATA and its Watch Your Car Program. Additional
(optional) comments have also provided useful information
about what additional steps the public is taking to prevent
vehicle theft. (See Figure 10 and Figure 11)

In fiscal year 2005, the AATA continued to focus the
majority of its grant allocation to the Arizona Vehicle Theft
Task Force (AVTTF), because of its continued aggressive
enforcement/investigative efforts and impressive stolen
vehicle recovery results.
During fiscal year 2005, the AATA also expanded its grant
funding allocations towards local law enforcement activities,
professional training, prosecution and public awareness
programs. The AATA approved 59 grants of more than
$972,654 to criminal justice agencies throughout Arizona
as part of the Law Enforcement, Professional Training, Public
Awareness, and Vertical Prosecution Programs.
The AATA hosted its 3rd Annual Summit on Vehicle Theft on
May 18, 2005 in Tucson. The one-day Summit was attended
by approximately 150 representatives from 40 different
criminal justice agencies and insurance companies
throughout Arizona. Also in attendance were out-of-state
presenters and special guests from Canada, Mexico,
California, Florida, Illinois, Texas and Washington, D.C. The
Summit included presentations by several grant agencies on
best practice approaches to vehicle theft prevention and an
awards luncheon. Several exhibitors attended to display their
products and distribute product information to Summit
attendees.
The AATA has continued its partnership-mailing project with
the Motor Vehicle Division, which was originally launched in
2003. This project includes providing vehicle theft prevention
and Watch Your Car program information in the registration
renewal tag mailing to vehicle owners in Arizona. This mailing
project has been extended through June 2006, and has
contributed successful results.

12

An overwhelming 55.47% of the respondents enrolled in
the Watch Your Car program via the MVD mailer piece
they were sent with their registration renewal tag. A
significant number of people applied for the WYC program
after receiving inserted information in their pay checks
(8.14%). Another 20% enrolled at a law enforcement/AATA
event in the community. The AATA was pleased to learn that
more than 16% of the respondents enrolled via the AATA
website by completing an on-line application form. This
method of enrollment increased 3% this year and will
continue to be actively promoted by the AATA as the most
efficient way to enroll in the program. (See Figure 1)
Almost 50% of the respondents learned about the Watch
Your Car program from the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD)
partnership mailing. About 18% of the respondents learned
about AATA and the Watch Your Car Program
from pay check insert advertising. An additional 16% learned
of the program from either a law enforcement agency or
AATA presentation/special event. The remaining respondents
learned of the program from a Blockwatch or neighborhood
meeting, or through other campaigns. (See Figure 3)
Most respondents (over 94%) did not request assistance
at the time they enrolled in the program. This may be an
indication that the on-line, electronic and hard copy Watch
Your Car Program enrollment forms are easy to follow and do
not require any further clarification.
(See Figure 4)
Nearly every respondent (97%) agreed that overall, they
are satisfied with the Watch Your Car Program.
(See Figure 5)

Every respondent (100%) agreed that overall, AATA staff was
readily available to assist them. (See Figure 6)

Regarding demographics, about 60% of the respondents
were age 60 and over. Roughly 30% were between 41-59
years of age. More than 6% of the respondents were age
26-40, and approximately 4% were age 18-25.
(See Figure 9)

More than 88% of the respondents indicated they had not
attended an AATA or other theft prevention event, with over
11% indicating they had. (See Figure 7)

The AATA appreciates the vehicle owners who took the time
to complete the surveys. The AATA values the feedback and
comments received and looks forward to enhancing the
Watch Your Car Program as well as improving our overall
customer service.

More than 16% of the respondents have had a vehicle
stolen in the State of Arizona. The remaining 84% indicated
they had not. (See Figure 8)

How did you enroll in the Watch Your Car
program?
a). Motor
(MVD) Vehicle
Mailing Division Mailing
b). Pay Check Stuffers
Insert

Percent Responding

800

c). Police Department Event

700

d). AATA Website

600

16.03%

800

500

55.47%

400

20.36%

393

300
200
100
0

8.14%

Surveys sent

Figure 1

Figure 2
Did you request assistance at the time
you enrolled in the WYC program?

How did you hear about the Watch Your
Car Program?
a). AATA Special Event
b). Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) Mailing
c). Blockwatch / Neighborhood Meeting
d). Police Agency Presentation
e). Mailing Advertising/Pay Check Insert
Stuffers
f). Employer Event/Presentation
18.32%

5.60%

Surveys received

369
400
300
200

4.83%

24

100
0
a).Yes

11.45%
10.43%

Figure 3

49.36%

b). No

Figure 4
Was staff readily available to assist you?

Are you satisfied with the Watch Your Car
Program?
381

100%

400
350

a).Yes

300
250
200
150
100

b). No

12

0%

50
0
a).Yes

b). No

13

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Figure 6

Figure 5

Have you ever had a vehicle stolen in the
State of Arizona?

Have you attended an AATA or other
theft prevention event?

328
350

46

300

a). Yes

250
200
150

347

65

100

b). No

50

0

100

200

300

0

400

a). Yes

Figure 7

b). No

What other steps have you taken to
protect your vehicle from theft?

What is your age range?
246

a). Lock doors and take keys

250

b). Use alarm system

200

c). Use steering wheel lock or other visual deterrent device

117

150

d). Other

12.98%
28.24%

100
50

Figure 8

18

25

0
a). 18-25

b). 26-40

c). 41-59

d). 60 and

44.78%

Figure 9

Figure 10

Being a member of the WYC program has
encouraged you to take extra precautions
in protecting your vehicle?
a). Strongly Agree
b). Agree
c). Disagree
d). Strongly Disagree
39.19%

0.51%

52.93%
7.38%

Figure 11

14

95.42%

Summary continued
Problem Assessment

buyers. The “VIN” is the vehicle identification number
and is unique to only one vehicle.

Vehicles are stolen for a variety of reasons. They may be
stolen simply as a means of transportation. Criminals
often steal vehicles in order to facilitate other crimes, such
as armed robberies, kidnappings, drive-by shootings,
smuggling activities and so forth. Professional auto thieves
steal vehicles for economic benefit. They operate “chop
shops,” where vehicles are stripped and component parts
are sold to unsuspecting buyers, or unscrupulous auto
repair shops. They also attempt to conceal the identity of
stolen vehicles by “VIN-switching” with wrecked, or
salvaged vehicles and then sell them to unsuspecting

Vehicles are also stolen and smuggled out of the country.
Stolen vehicles from the U.S. and other affluent countries
end up in developing countries in Asia, Eastern Europe,
the Middle East, Mexico, Central and South America. The
continuing decline in the recovery rate of stolen vehicles
indicates greater organized criminal activity. Additionally,
the international intelligence community (Interpol) has
identified vehicle theft and related criminal activity,
including insurance fraud, as a primary illicit fund-raising
source supporting international terrorism.

INTERNATIONAL MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT
STATISTICS FOR 2003*
1,226,457

11. Germany

75,408

2. United Kingdom

362,181

12. Argentina

69,570

3. France

314,635

13. Switzerland 64,241

4. Italy

235,946

14. Japan

63,275

5. Canada

170,213

15. Malaysia

60,251

6. Mexico

153,233

16. Sweden

60,044

7. Brazil

152,572

17. Poland

59,458

8. Spain

145,222

18. Russia

38,439

9. Australia

136,260

19. Belgium

30,907

20. Israel

30,777

1. United States

10. South Africa

98,432

*Reported to INTERPOL
15

Arizona Vehicle Theft Trends
Recovery Rate: 1994 - 2004

67
.0
%

66
.7
%

64
.9
%

61
.3
%

65
.9
%

66
.0
%

66
.0
%

66
.6
%

65
.6
%

69
.3
%

80.0%

67
.1
%

100.0%

60.0%
40.0%
Arizona Recovery Rate
20.0%
0.0%
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
There are a number of reasons that contribute to the
vehicle theft problem in Arizona. Arizona has experienced
a dramatic population increase over the past 20 to 25
years. There is a rather transient nature of our population,
with many people living in multi-family housing units, such as
apartments, condominiums and so forth. In these types of
residential areas, vehicles are at greater risk to be stolen.
Due to the dry, moderate climate in Arizona our vehicles tend
to maintain higher value, than in other areas of the Nation.
Probably the greatest influence on Arizona’s vehicle theft
problem is due to the close proximity with Mexico. Research
indicates that the highest motor vehicle theft vicinities are
major metropolitan statistical areas (MSA’s), near seaports or

international borders. In 2004, all of the leading MSA’s
vehicle theft rates were in the western United States. Seven
of the top ten were in California. Phoenix fell from number
two to number five and Tucson ranks number nine out of the
top ten.
There are seven official ports-of-entry along the
354-mile Arizona-Mexico border, and major California
seaports are less than eight hours away. One of the
biggest problems is that most vehicle thefts occur at night
and it is typically hours later that the victim discovers that
their vehicle is gone. A stolen vehicle can be stripped for
parts, used to facilitate other crimes, or smuggled into
Mexico before the owner realizes that it’s missing.

National Vehicle Theft Trends
Vehicle Theft Rates 2004: Leading MSA’s*

(Per 100,000 population)

Note: Numbers/values used in the above graphs reflect information contained in the
2004 Uniform Crime Report, published by the U.S. Department of Justice (FBI).
*MSA’s – Metropolitan Statistical Areas (encompass multiple jurisdictions).
16

Initiatives

In addition, media releases were distributed regularly to
encourage consistent coverage of the AATA’s efforts, current
crime trends and statistics, and consumer protection topics.
As a result of these on-going press releases and media
relations, the AATA participated in several newspaper,
television, and radio interviews that generated over 26 million
media impressions throughout the state.

Each of the three strategic initiatives of the AATA – public
awareness and community education, law enforcement
activities, and vertical prosecution all work together to
combat vehicle theft throughout the State of Arizona.

Public Awareness and Education
The AATA’s public awareness initiative during fiscal year
2005 focused on strengthening our partnerships and
collaborative efforts with community organizations,
corporations and businesses, as well as criminal justice
agencies throughout the State.
During fiscal year 2005, the AATA awarded nearly $154,000
in grant funds to eighteen (18) criminal justice agencies to
conduct public awareness activities on vehicle theft
prevention, while also promoting the Watch Your Car
Program, one of several elements of the “layered approach”
to protect vehicles. Grant agencies are required to submit
quarterly performance reports to the AATA on their public
awareness and community education efforts. During fiscal
year 2005, these agencies participated in 500 public
awareness events and meetings, VIN etched over 10,000
vehicles, and conducted on-going law enforcement personnel
training within their agencies.

In FY 2005, the AATA continued its partnerships with the
Motor Vehicle Division Service Centers, AAA Arizona
Travel Offices, Apartment Community and Rental Offices
for distribution of Watch Your Car program brochures. In
addition, the AATA’s partnership mailing project with the
Motor Vehicle Division was continued for an additional year.
This partnership mailing entails sending vehicle theft
prevention and Watch Your Car program information in the
registration renewal tag mailing to vehicle owners in Arizona.
Since March 2004, the AATA has conducted a corporate
outreach program to local businesses to educate their
employees about vehicle theft prevention. The Agency
received numerous requests to attend employee
presentations and host on-site safety fairs and employee VIN
etching events. Some of the corporations include: Arizona
Public Service (APS), Bedford Group, Blue Cross and Blue
Shield, Farmers Insurance, Farnam Companies, Gateway
Community College, Honeywell,

AATA 2005 Public Awareness Grant Recipients

In FY 2005, the AATA developed a 30-second public service
announcement (PSA) highlighting the Bait Vehicle Program.
The PSA features two convicted bait vehicle thieves, which
serves to warn the public, specifically any would-be-thieves,
of the existence of this program. The PSA will be distributed
to statewide media outlets and is available on the AATA’s
website.

Coconino

This year, the AATA completed development and
production of our youth prevention curricula program for
middle school (“A Ride For Life: The Consequences of
Auto Theft”) and high school (“Park Smart New Driver”)
students. The AATA is in partnership with school
districts and School Resource Officers to distribute and
present this program.

Apache

Navajo

Mohave

Yavapai
Prescott Valley P.D.

In June 2005, the Tempe Police Department, through a
grant from the AATA, developed a 30-second TV and
Radio PSA featuring Al McCoy. The PSA was launched
statewide in November 2005 to TV and Radio media
outlets and can also be downloaded from the AATA’s
website.

Greenlee
La Paz

Gila

Maricopa County

Pinal

Yuma
Yuma P.D.

17

Graham

Pinal Co. Sheriff’s Off.

Maricopa County
Chandler P.D.
Gilbert P.D.
Glendale P.D.
Maricopa Co. Sheriff’s Off.
Mesa P.D.
Peoria P.D.
Phoenix P.D.
Scottsdale P.D.
Tempe P.D.

Payson P.D.

Pima Co. Sheriff’s Off.
Tucson P.D.
Univ. of Ariz. P.D.
.

Pima

Cochise

Statewide
Vehicle Theft
Task Force

Santa
Cruz

MFS Investment Management, Motorola, Petsmart.
Southwest Gas Corporation, Stantec Consulting, State Farm
Insurance, Target, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, and the
University of Phoenix. 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 also participated in greater outreach to the
Hispanic community with the creation and printing of
Spanish Watch Your Car brochures and literature, and
increased media relations with local Spanish language
newspapers, radio and television.
The AATA’s web site at www.azwatchyourcar.com
continues to be updated and enhanced for greater public
accessibility and averages approximately 100 hits per day.
The site provides information on the AATA, current auto
theft statistics, theft prevention tips, current community
events, posting of all grant program application procedures
and requirements, as well as information for the insurance
industry on the semi-annual insurance assessment and
numerous relevant links. For the public’s convenience,
an on-line Watch Your Car application form is available for
easy enrollment in the program. The AATA’s website is
continually updated to contain the most current motor vehicle
theft related information and upcoming special events.

The AATA’s Watch Your Car van continues to be a popular
promotional tool utilized consistently by the AATA and its
law enforcement partners at community events, safety
fairs, and promotional opportunities throughout Arizona.
This fiscal year, the van has been utilized by Maricopa
County Sheriff’s Office, Yuma County Sheriff’s Office,
Apache Junction, Chandler, Glendale, Mesa,

AATA Promotional Items

Phoenix, Prescott Valley, Scottsdale, Tempe, Tucson,
and Yuma Police Departments. The van is complete with
exterior advertising graphics and theft prevention
messages to be used to promote vehicle theft prevention
and the AATA’s free Watch Your Car program. The van is
also equipped with several theft deterrent devices to
educate the public on the various choices available for
theft prevention.
In fiscal year 2005, the AATA continued its expansion of the
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) Etching Program. VIN
Etching is the process of etching the vehicle’s 17 digit
(in most cases) VIN number on the vehicle’s window
glass and is an effective visual deterrent against auto
theft. The AATA continues hosting and co-hosting free
VIN etching events throughout the state in conjunction with
our criminal justice partners. In fiscal year 2005, it is
estimated over 20,000 vehicles received free VIN etching
utilizing the AATA’s equipment.
The AATA continues to participate and promote grass-roots
public awareness campaigns targeting communities
throughout the State. The AATA participated in numerous
community events featuring vehicle theft prevention
information, Watch Your Car program enrollment and free
VIN etching. The following are examples of these types
of events the AATA participated in during fiscal year 2005:
Neighborhood Safety Fairs and Blockwatch Meetings
Law Enforcement Sponsored Safety Fairs
Corporate Employee Health/Safety Fairs and Presentations
Shopping Mall Crime Prevention Events
Senior Center and Retirement Community Presentations
Insurance Company Sponsored Vehicle Theft Prevention Fairs with
Free VIN Etching

Event participants attend an Allstate/Phoenix Police
Department/AATA VIN etching event at Paradise Valley Mall
in 2004.

18

Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods (GAIN) Events

AARP’s 55 Alive Driver’s Education Classes and Town Hall
Meetings

State University and Community College Events
Civic Group Presentations
OASIS Classes

Vertical Prosecution
The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority has identified vertical
prosecution as a vital component of a comprehensive vehicle
theft reduction strategy for the State of Arizona. Vertical
prosecution refers to the concept of utilizing dedicated,
specially trained deputy county attorneys to address all
phases of the criminal justice process regarding vehicle
theft, and associated crimes. Vertical prosecution has
been highly successful in dealing with other criminal activities
such as, homicide, narcotics, organized crime, sexual
assault and crimes against children.

A review of performance evaluations, and information
obtained from law enforcement personnel indicates a
significant improvement in the prosecution of vehicle theft
suspects, particularly those identified as career criminals.
The AATA has received favorable support from the county
attorneys, and law enforcement executives to continue and
expand this program. The AATA provides funding to the
county attorneys in those counties with the highest vehicle
theft rates, and/or border counties, which encounter a
significant number of suspects in stolen vehicles from other
areas.

*Arizona Vehicle Thefts By County

2004

Pima, 8,097,
15%

Pinal - 794

Mohave - 497

Yuma - 479
Cochise - 471
Yavapai - 367
Coconino - 242
Santa Cruz - 168
Navajo - 115
Gila - 92
Graham - 49

Other, 4,972, 9%

Maricopa,
41,446, 76%

La Paz - 34
Apache - 25
Greenlee, 0, 0%

*Source: Arizona Department of Public Safety - Crime in Arizona 2004

19

Professional Training Grants

In FY 2005, the program included full-time prosecutors in
Maricopa, Pima and Pinal Counties. Grants for part-time
prosecutors were continued in Cochise, Mohave and Santa
Cruz counties.

The Professional Training Grants are awarded to law
enforcement and prosecutorial agencies to promote
professional training and development of its personnel.

The results of the Vertical Prosecution program over the last
two years are as follows:
2004
Number of participating
counties

2005

6

6

Number of vehicle
theft cases filed

477

644

Number of convictions

422

521

Percent of convictions
to cases closed

96%

91%

Amount of restitution
ordered (in thousands)

$1,631

Criminal justice agencies within the State of Arizona are
notified of the availability and purpose of grant funds, and
are eligible to submit applications for grants provided they
comply with the terms and conditions of the grant. Awards
are based on the evaluation of the training requested as
well as the impact the training will have on the statewide
effort to combat vehicle theft.
The AATA staff and subcommittee of the AATA Board
evaluate the requests, with final approval given by the full
Board of Directors. Both tuition and travel expenses are
considered. The amounts of these grants may vary in
future years depending on the location and availability of
training opportunities.

$1,318

Law Enforcement Grants
Since 2002, the AATA has awarded grants to law
enforcement agencies throughout the state to promote more
efficient and effective law enforcement activities in vehicle
theft investigation, enforcement and prevention within their
jurisdiction. Law enforcement agencies in the State of
Arizona are notified of the availability and purpose of grant
funds and are eligible to submit applications for grants,
provided they comply with the terms and conditions of the
grant. Awards are based on the evaluation of the grant
proposal by the AATA staff and subcommittee of the AATA
Board, with final approval given by the full Board of Directors.
Grants approved in the current fiscal year are funded on July
1 for the following fiscal year.
In May 2005, the AATA Board awarded $177,490 in Law
Enforcement Grants to 18 agencies. The awards included
$69,000 to 10 law enforcement agencies for continuation and
expansion of the bait vehicle systems and $90,755 in
overtime funds for vehicle theft investigations for 14 agencies.
In April 2005, the AATA and the National Insurance Crime
Bureau (NICB) announced the 100th arrest as a result of the
State’s Bait Vehicle Program which began in 2003. Vehicles
provided by the NICB are equipped with bait systems funded
by the AATA. The technology utilizes computers, satellites
and tracking devices, which alerts police when the bait
vehicle has been entered. The vehicles, which have been
donated by insurance companies, are deployed in high auto
theft areas then police wait for a signal to be transmitted
alerting them the vehicle has been entered or moved so they
can catch the thieves in the act of stealing a vehicle. The
prosecution of these cases in Maricopa County has been
highly successful and funded through the AATA’s Vertical
Prosecution Program.

In fiscal 2005, the AATA expended $47,000 for professional
training costs including $23,400 for 71 Professional Training
Grants for Arizona criminal justice personnel to attend and
co-sponsor the 2004 AATIA Conference in October in
Laughlin and $18,786 for 16 grants to the 2005 IAATI
Conference held in August in New Orleans.

Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force
The Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force (AVTTF) was
established to coordinate a statewide law enforcement
effort to combat vehicle theft. The mission of the Task
Force is to reduce vehicle theft in the State of Arizona by
deterring criminal activity through proactive enforcement
and investigation.
The Task Force serves as a statewide resource for the
investigation of property crimes involving vehicles, related
components, and insurance fraud. The Task Force also
provides technical expertise, training and investigative
support to law enforcement agencies targeting vehicle theft.
The Task Force is comprised of local and state law
enforcement agencies, along with other entities participating
in concerted efforts to identify, apprehend and prosecute
individuals and criminal organizations that profit from the
theft of motor vehicles, related criminal activity and
insurance fraud.
The AVTTF is administered by the Arizona Department of
Public Safety through a grant from the AATA. The Task
Force commenced limited operation in 1997, with two
enforcement squads in Maricopa County and one in Pima
County.
Currently, the AVTTF is represented by 16 agencies, with
personnel in Cochise, Maricopa, Mohave, Pima, Pinal,
Santa Cruz, Yavapai, and Yuma Counties. Task Force
personnel routinely respond to requests for assistance in
other Arizona counties as well.

20

The Task Force is recognized as one of the premier units of
its kind in the nation. The AVTTF was awarded the 1999 and
2002 Vehicle Theft Award of Merit by the IACP (International
Association of Chiefs of Police) and the National Insurance
Crime Bureau (NICB) for their outstanding efforts to reduce
vehicle theft. In addition, they received the 2002 Vehicle Theft
Award of Merit by the IAATI (International Association of Auto
Theft Investigators) at their annual conference held in Los
Angeles in August 2003. The Task Force received this
prestigious award for their efforts with Operation Wounded
Jaguar, a
two-year in-depth investigation into a criminal enterprise
involved in auto theft, insurance fraud, VIN switching, money
laundering, public corruption, and numerous other crimes.
Most importantly, the AATA, Department of Public Safety,
and participating agencies have developed a strong
partnership, which has been integral to the success of the
Task Force. Members of the Task Force, representing 21
different agencies, have worked diligently to combat vehicle
theft and related crimes throughout the State of Arizona.

The results of the Task Force’s initiatives have been
substantial. For every dollar that the AATA funded in fiscal
year 2005, the Task Force has recovered $10.56 in stolen
property for the citizens of Arizona. In fiscal year 2005, the
Task Force recovered 2,792 stolen vehicles, with an
estimated value of more than $30.6 million dollars. They also
arrested 287 felony suspects, investigated 36 “chop shops,”
conducted 41 insurance fraud investigations and
responded to 1,209 calls for assistance from other law
enforcement agencies.
Since its inception (January 1997) through June 30, 2005
the Task Force has recovered 17,589 stolen vehicles, with
an estimated value of more than $173.6 million dollars.
Additionally, the Task Force has made 2,022 felony arrests,
investigated 260 “chop shops,” investigated 327 insurance
fraud cases, conducted 491 business inspections and
responded to 6,459 calls for assistance. The Task Force has
also provided training to more than 2,000 law enforcement
personnel throughout the State and is actively involved in
public awareness and community education programs.

Arizona Vehicle
Theft Task Force
Return On Funding

$

=

56¢

1
$
1
$
1
$
1

$
$

1
1
$
1
$
1
$
1
$
1

For every dollar that the AATA has funded,
the Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force has
recovered more than $10.56 in stolen
property for the citizens of Arizona.
*Based on Kelly Blue Book Values.

21

Participating Agencies in the
Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES:

Pima County:

Cochise County:

Arizona Department of Public Safety

Arizona Department of Public Safety

1 detective

Cochise County Sheriff’s Department

1 detective

2 detectives
Marana Police Department

1 detective

National Insurance Crime Bureau

1 special

Maricopa County
Arizona Department of Public Safety

agent
1 lieutenant,

Pima County Sheriff’s Department

1 detective

2 sergeants,

Tucson Police Department

1 sergeant,
2 detectives

8 detectives
Arizona Department of Insurance

1 sergeant,

Pinal County:

1 special
agent

Arizona Department of Public Safety

1 detective
1 detective

Arizona State University

1 detective

Pinal County Sheriff’s Office

Glendale Police Department

1 detective

Santa Cruz County:

Mesa Police Department

1 detective

Arizona Department of Public Safety

1 detective

National Insurance Crime Bureau

2 special

Motor Vehicle Division

1 special
investigator

agents
Phoenix Police Department

Tempe Police Department

1 sergeant

Yavapai County:

2 detectives

Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office

1 detective

Yuma County:
Arizona Department of Public Safety

Mohave County:
Arizona Department of Public Safety

1 detective

1 sergeant,
3 detectives

Yuma County Sheriff’s Office

1 detective

22

1 detective

AATA 2005 Law Enforcement &
Professional Training Grant Recipients

Mohave Co. S. O. (1)
Mohave Co. S. O. (5)
Attorney’s Off. (2)

Coconino

Apache

Flagstaff P.D. (4)

Mohave
Navajo

Yavapai
Cottonwood P.D. (3)
Prescott Valley P.D. (2)
Cottonwood P.D. (1)
La Paz
Gila

Pinal
Yuma
Yuma P.D. (1)
Yuma P.D. (3)

Chandler P.D. (3)
Glendale P.D. (6)
Maricopa Co. S.O. (4)
Attorney’s Off. (3)
Mesa P.D. (6)
Scottsdale P.D. (4)
Tempe P.D. (6)

Graham

Pima Co. Att. O. (2)
Pima Co. S. O. (3)
Tucson P.D. (6)
Univ. of Ariz. (1)

(⋆) Indicates number of
agency personnel funded

Az.
Az.
Az.
Az.

23

Cochise

Maricopa County

Buckeye P.D. (1)
Cochise Co. (2)
Chandler P.D. (1)
Attorney’s Off. (1)
Cochise Co. Sheriff (1) Gilbert P.D. (1)
Glendale P.D. (1)
Maricopa Co. S. O. (1)
Mesa P.D. (1)
Attorney’s Off. (1)
Peoria P.D. (1)
Phoenix P.D. (4)
D.P.S. District 8 (4)
Scottsdale P.D. (1)
Vehicle Theft Task Force (8)
Surprise P.D. (1)
Dept. of Insurance (1)
Tempe P.D. (1)
DPS (4)

Pima County S. O. (1)
Tucson P.D. (1)
Santa
Cruz

Legend
Red = Local Law Enforcement
Grant Recipients
Blue = Professional Training
Grant Recipients

Pinal County
Coolidge P.D. (1)
Casa Grande P.D. (1)
Coolidge P.D. (2)
Florence P.D. (3)
Attorney’s Off. (4)

Maricopa
County

Pima

Maricopa County

Greenlee

AATA Recognizes 2004 Award Recipients
The AATA’s outstanding law enforcement, government and private sector partners were
honored at an awards ceremony luncheon as part of the 3rd Annual Summit on Vehicle
Theft. The award recipients have all demonstrated outstanding accomplishments and
innovative approaches to combating auto theft in the State of Arizona.

Mr. Michael Payne, AATA Board Chairman presented the awards.
d
Detective George Hoke, Cochise County
Sheriff’s Office and Arizona Vehicle Theft
Task Force - 2004 Auto Theft Detective of the
Year

Officer Paul Sipe, Mesa Police Department
- 2004 Patrol Officer of the Year

Officer David Callister and Officer Dean
McMains with the Arizona Department of
Public Safety - 2004 Patrol Officers of the
Year

Mr. Mark Anderson, Pinal County
Attorney’s Office - 2004 Vertical Prosecutor
of the Year

Mr. Bob Owens, National Insurance Crime
Bureau and Arizona Vehicle Theft Task
Force - 2004 Special Agent of the Year

Detective Dennis McNulty, Arizona Vehicle
Theft Task Force - 2004 Task Force Officer
of the Year

Ms. Holly Hosac, Mesa Police Department 2004 Crime Prevention Specialist of the Year

Ms. Joanne McLaughlin, Glendale Police
Department - 2004 Crime Prevention
Specialist of the Year

Officers Eric Breindl and Robert Cummins
and Sergeant Richard Maiocco, Phoenix
Police Department - 2004 Watch Your Car
– Special Recognition Award

Officer Michael Leifeste, Arizona Department
of Public Safety - 2004 Special Recognition
Award

24

Detectives Jerod Hanes and Dale Mace,
Arizona Department of Public Safety - 2004
Special Recognition Award

Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force – Border
Unit East Task Force Border Unit Members
- Sergeant Terry Starner, NICB Special
Agent Frank Cruz, Detective Jose Fimbres,
Detective George Hoke, Detective Charles
Knapp, Detective Kris Matthews, Annie
Teyechea, and Michael Walsh - 2004 Law
Enforcement Unit of the Year Award

Safelite Auto Glass
Ms. Shannon Cornall and Ms. Fashion
Dixon - 2004 Private Sector Partner of the
Year Award

Andrew Luck, Allstate Insurance Company
- 2004 Special Recognition Award

Glendale Police Department Auto Theft Unit
Members - Sergeant David Madeya, Detective
Colby Brandt, Detective Jim Coking, Detective
Dawn Gallagher, and Detective Gary Myers 2004 Law Enforcement Unit of the Year
Award

John Rares Almasan - 2004 AATA
Employee of the Year Award

25

Jean Lupa - 2004 Special Recognition
Award

Gilbert Police Department – Crime Prevention
Unit Crime Prevention Unit Members - Vickie
Owen, Kim Kelly, and Cari Woods - 2004
Public Awareness Unit of the Year Award

Summit Volunteers – Kathy Groenewold,
Suzanne Wolf, Nancy Temporado, and
Annie Teyechea

Watch Your Car Program Enrollments
1998 - 2004
Watch Your Car Program Enrollments
80,000
80,000
70,000

62,500

60,000
50,000

41,156

40,000
30,000

18,500

20,000
10,000

2,272

4,131

7,950

12,400

0
FY 1998 FY 1999 FY 2000 FY 2001 FY 2002 FY 2003 FY 2004 FY 2005

The Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act of 1994 authorized the U.S. Attorney General to
develop, in cooperation with the states, a national voluntary motor vehicle theft
prevention program. The National Watch Your Car program is designed as a
cooperative initiative between the states and the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The
Watch Your Car program serves as the centerpiece of the AATA’s vehicle theft
prevention and deterrence programs, and is just one element of a “layered
approach” to protection recommended by the AATA to effectively deter vehicles
from being stolen.
The Watch Your Car program is a voluntary enrollment program designed to
deter vehicle theft, assist in the recovery of stolen vehicles, and apprehend auto
thieves. After enrolling and signing an application form, participants in the
program affix Watch Your Car decals to their vehicle, which authorizes law
enforcement officials to stop the vehicle between the program hours of 1:00 AM
and 5:00 AM when most vehicle thefts occur, or within one mile of the international
border. Enrollment forms are obtained by contacting the AATA by phone or accessing the
information at events and/or via the Internet at the Agency’s web site at www.azwatchyourcar.com. The Watch Your
Car program is free and open to all citizens with cars registered in the State of Arizona.
To promote the Watch Your Car program and other comprehensive vehicle theft prevention tips, the AATA partners with
criminal justice agencies throughout the State, participates in auto theft prevention events and safety fairs as well as
homeowners association and Blockwatch meetings. Information displays are also located at every Motor Vehicle Division
and AAA Arizona Travel Office statewide as well as at insurance company claims offices and apartment community rental
locations. At the end of the fiscal year 2005, the AATA had over 80,000 vehicles enrolled in the Watch Your Car program,
which is a 28% increase in enrollments from fiscal year 2004. The AATA anticipates a continued increase in Watch Your Car
enrollments in fiscal year 2005.

26

Financial Report
For the Year Ended June 30, 2005

Arizona Automobile Theft
Authority Fund
The Automobile Theft Authority Fund is a special revenue
fund, which was established by the Arizona Legislature and is
the only operating fund of the Automobile Theft Authority.
The AATA does not receive any tax dollars or appropriations
from the General Fund of the State of Arizona.
All revenues received by the Authority, including
investment income and monetary gifts, are deposited in
the Automobile Theft Authority Fund. With the exception
of grant awards to the Authority, expenditures of the
Authority are appropriated by the Legislature and paid
from collected monies in the Fund.
The financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30,
2005 of the AATA have been audited by the accounting firm
of Heinfeld, Meech & Co., P.C., Certified Public Accountants
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
and government auditing standards. Their report gave an
unqualified opinion of the Authority’s financial statements and
their report on compliance and internal controls stated, “We
noted no matters involving the internal control over financial
reporting and its operation that we consider to be material
weaknesses.”
A copy of the full audit report prepared by Heinfeld, Meech &
Co., may be obtained by contacting the Arizona Automobile
Theft Authority.

All excess cash is invested with the State Treasurer
and the Authority earned $36,506 investment income
in the current year. The increase of $4,833 from $31,573
in the prior year resulted from higher rates of return in the
current year due to market trends even though the investment
balance declined by $401,369.

Expenditures
Total expenditures for the current year were $4,557,614
an increase of $485,955 from the total expenditures from
the previous year of $4,071,659.
The Arizona Revised Statutes, A.R.S. §41-3451.H requires
that “The costs of administration shall not exceed ten
percent of the monies in the fund in any one year so that
the greatest possible portion of the monies available to the
authority is expended on combating motor vehicle theft.”
Accordingly, the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority tightly
controls its administrative costs. Administrative expenses
of the Authority are limited by statute and are not to exceed
10% of the revenue collected by the Authority. For the fiscal
year ending June 30, 2005, the Authority was in compliance
with this statute with “costs of administration” being 7.4%,
of “the monies in the fund” as verified by the audit. The
AATA’s administrative costs for the current fiscal year ended
June 30, 2005 were 7.1% of total expenditures.
The AATA ended the year with cash and investments with
the State Treasurer of $1,127,693.

Revenue Forecast

Revenue

Revenue from the Insurance Assessment has continued to
grow each year for the last six years, and will continue to do
so at an annual rate of approximately 6%. The following
factors will contribute to revenue growth:

The revenue of the AATA is derived from a statutory semiannual assessment of 50 cents per vehicle paid by each
insurance company writing automobile liability in Arizona on
motor vehicles weighing less than 26,000 pounds gross
vehicle weight (GVW).
Revenue collections from insurance assessments for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 2005 were $ 4,155,113. Until
December 2000, most insurers had been calculating the
assessment based on a pro rata method known as earned
car years. However, effective July 1, 1997 the Arizona
Legislature changed the assessment calculation method to
the actual number of vehicles insured. During the last five
fiscal years, the Authority worked with insurers to correct this
error and collect past due assessments. As the graph on
page 28 indicates, the revenue correction has been
completed.

27

I. Increase growth in Arizona’s population and
corresponding growth in the number of vehicles registered
and insured within the State.
II. Continued review by staff to verify that companies are
calculating assessment payments on actual number of
vehicles insured rather than just policies or other methods.

Financial Report continued
Insurance Assessment Revenue

$3,000,000

→

$2
11
,9
07

→

Total
$3,431,780

→

→

→

→

$0

$1
,0
41
,7
10

$3,500,000

Total
$3,363,786

Total
$3,708,751

$3
,9
20

Total
$4,030,872

$4,000,000

Prior Year Collection

$2
0,
15
3

Current Year Collection

$1
40
,1
70

Total
$4,155,113

$4,500,000

$3,885,317

$4,014,934

$3,704,831

$3,151,879

$1,500,000

$2,989,162

$2,000,000

$3,411,627

$2,500,000

FY 2004

FY 2005

$1,000,000

$500,000

$0
FY 2000

FY 2001

FY 2002

28

FY 2003

Arizona Auto Theft Authority Fund
Statement of Operations by Program for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2005

June 30, 2004
Revenues
Current Year Collections
Prior Year Collections
Auto theft summit
Investment Income
Grants
Other
Total cash Collections
Revenue Accrued at June 30

$

3,885,317
0
10,726
31,573
40,000
7,158
3,974,774

June 30, 2005
$

(18,709)

th

Total Revenue
Expenditures by Program
Administrative Costs (1,2)
Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force
Vertical Prosecution
Public Awareness Programs
Public Awareness Grants
License Plate Reader System
Arizona BATIC Center
Law Enforcement Grants
Professional Training Grants
Special Grants
Watch Your Car Program (BJA Grant)
Auto Theft Summit
Total Expenditures (3)

$

3,956,065

$

349,634
2,500,000
501,326
204,644
168,025
0
0
209,408
14,668
68,788
44,440
10,726
4,071,659

Excess of revenues over expenditures

194,578
$

4,400,500

$

325,483
2,900,000
570,028
224,623
214,180
0
25,758
222,488
46,663
20,241
0
8,150
4,557,614

(115,594)

Beginning Fund Balance (4,5)
Ending Fund Balance (4,5)

$

Footnotes:
1. Administrative Costs as a percentage of cash collections
2. Administrative Costs as a percentage of total expenditures
3. Actual expenditures by category per audited financial statements:
Appropriated Current Operating Expenses:
Personal Services
Employee related expenses
Professional services
Travel-in-state
Travel - out-state
Other Operating
Aid to organizations
Non-capital equipment
Administrative Adjustments
Total Expenditures

3,546,899
3,431,305

(157,114)

$

8.9%
8.6%

$

29

7.4%
7.1%

$

$

$

44,439
10,726
55,165

$

1,000
8,150
9,150

$

4,071,659

$

4,557,614

$

1,529,029

$

1,127,693

$

4. Fund balance includes accrued income as per the audited
financial statements
th
5. Cash invested with the State Treasurer on June 30
6. Report based on audited financial statements

3,431,305
3,274,191

254,127
69,726
26,459
2,780
12,379
146,652
3,497,215
7,156
0
4,016,494

$

Non-appropriated Expenses
Watch Your Car Program (BJA Grant)
Auto Theft Summit
Total non-appropriated expenditures

4,014,934
140,179
8,150
36,406
1,000
5,253
4,205,922

$

261,177
72,354
31,551
5,160
6,873
162,105
3,999,358
9,886
0
4,548,464

Impact of Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention
Programs on Vehicle Insurance Costs
For those Arizona consumers who purchase "full
coverage" vehicle insurance, comprehensive
coverage represents between 15 and 20 percent
of their total premium, according to the Arizona
Insurance Information Association.

In fulfillment of the statutory requirement that the Arizona
Automobile Theft Authority report annually on the impact of
vehicle theft prevention programs on consumer automobile
insurance rates, the AATA received the following statement
from the Arizona Insurance Information Association (AIIA):

The efforts of the AATA in implementing
innovative theft-prevention awareness
programs, coupled with its commitment to
investigations and aggressive prosecutions of
vehicle thieves, has played a significant role in
stabilizing comprehensive insurance rates in
Arizona.

Comprehensive insurance is a first-party coverage
that pays if your vehicle is stolen, vandalized, or
needs glass repairs or replacement. In addition,
comprehensive insurance covers your vehicle if it is
damaged by fire, wind, hail or collisions with
animals.

Future of the AATA
In 2006, the AATA will continue to focus on in its bold mission
to address the epidemic problem of vehicle theft. The Agency
is experiencing remarkable support from the criminal justice
community, insurance industry and the general public. The
AATA’s Board of Directors has committed the maximum
available resources to support an aggressive anti-vehicle
theft campaign which it expects will result in a continued
reduction in vehicle theft in Arizona.
The AATA is currently involved in a joint-partnership with the
Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the National
Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) to utilize technology to
enhance border interdiction efforts. It involves two innovative
initiatives; the license plate reader project (LPR) and the
Border Auto Theft Information Center (BATIC) under the
supervision of the Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force. The
Bureau of Customs and Border Protection have installed
license plate reading cameras in the inbound lanes at the
ports-of-entry along the southwest border. The AATA will
continue its leadership role in supporting this program that
has the capability to provide valuable information and
contribute to the interdiction of stolen vehicles destined to
leave the United States. Additionally, the AATA is actively
engaged in investigating the feasibility of mobile LPR’s, which
may offer enhanced interdiction capability.

30

Arizona is one of a few states that has readily embraced this
project, and the AATA is receiving enormous support from
law enforcement and the insurance industry.
If fully operational, the license plate readers (LPR’s) would
capture the license plate of all vehicles entering and leaving
the United States via the ports-of-entry. The LPR’s will
record the license plate, and the data will be
instantaneously forwarded to the DPS in order to check
ACIC and NCIC to determine if the vehicle is reported
stolen. This will enable enforcement personnel to stop
the vehicle before leaving the U.S.
If the vehicle cannot be stopped, the information will be
forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
The AATA, with the assistance of the Task Force, has
been actively fostering a collaborative approach with law
enforcement officials in Mexico to effectively resolve this
issue. The intent is to develop a means to immediately
communicate law enforcement and intelligence related
information between officials in Sonora and Arizona. The
AATA will continue to foster and promote cooperation at
both state and national levels by developing a viable
partnership among the Border States, various law
enforcement agencies, the Department of Homeland
Security and private sector stakeholders to expedite the
completion and implementation of the LPR system.

The prosecution and public awareness efforts will continue
to be vital components in the AATA’s efforts to combat
vehicle theft in Arizona. The AATA intends to continue
and expand its annual grant assistance program to local
law enforcement agencies and county attorney offices
statewide. The efforts of the criminal justice agencies
involved with the AATA’s grant programs thus far have
been impressively effective at addressing the law
enforcement, prosecution and public awareness and
community education components of the AATA’s mission.

In 2006, the AATA will partner with the Arizona Multihousing
Association to participate in the Project S.A.F.E (Safety
Awareness Family Education) program at statewide multifamily communities. The AATA will provide vehicle theft
prevention presentations to residents at these communities.
Also in 2006, the AATA, in partnership with Gilbert Police
Department, statewide law enforcement agencies, Clear
Channel Radio Broadcasting and the Governor’s Office will
host the first statewide Auto Theft Awareness Day on March
4, 2006.

In fiscal year 2006, the AATA will continue to sponsor VIN
(Vehicle Identification Number) etching with partnering
agencies throughout the state to actively promote free VIN
etching on window glass as an effective visual vehicle theft
deterrent and recovery aid.

In fiscal year 2006, the AATA will continue distribution of our
two new 30-second PSA’s highlighting the Bait Vehicle
Program and our new auto theft prevention PSA featuring Al
McCoy titled, “Stop The Fast Break To Auto Theft.” The new
auto theft prevention PSA is available for TV and Radio and
may also be viewed and downloaded from the AATA’s
website. The Agency is hopeful that statewide media
companies will make commitments to donate air-time,
including prime time, to support these PSA’s.
The AATA is continuing its distribution of the youth prevention
curricula programs for middle school and high school
students in Arizona and will be evaluating the effectiveness of
the program.

Gilbert Police Department, Bait Car Billboard
Campaign
In addition, the AATA will continue to seek additional
opportunities to promote public awareness through partnerships
with corporations and businesses in the sponsorship of
employee events featuring the Watch Your Car Van,
presentations by AATA staff and criminal justice personnel and
VIN etching.

In 2006, the AATA plans to increase its outreach to Arizona’s
Hispanic community through the distribution of vehicle theft
prevention and Watch Your Car materials. The “Stop The Fast
Break To Auto Theft,” PSA will also be translated into Spanish
for distribution to statewide Hispanic media outlets.

During fiscal year 2006, the AATA will continue its efforts to
reduce its administrative costs and maximize resources
In 2006, the AATA will continue the partnership mailing project through cost saving programs. Cost savings are being
with the Motor Vehicle Division, which began in January 2003. realized through utilization of bulk mail, additional reliance on
This partnership mailing entails sending vehicle theft prevention the Internet for communication and greater utilization of our
staff’s talent to perform tasks, once contracted out. A good
and Watch Your Car program information in the registration
example of these efforts are represented in the production of
renewal tag mailer to vehicle owners in Arizona.
this Annual Report which was entirely written, produced and
displayed on the AATA website by AATA staff, at a costThis partnership increased enrollments by approximately
savings of nearly $3,000.
31,706 during fiscal year 2005. The AATA and MVD will
continue this mailing partnership through fiscal year 2006,
In May 2006, the AATA will host the Fourth Annual Arizona
with enrollments projected to reach an excess of 100,000 by
Summit on Vehicle Theft. The 2006 Summit will explore
June 30, 2006. While the enrollment figures are impressive,
current vehicle theft trends in Arizona, the Nation and
what is even more impressive is the overwhelmingly positive
throughout the world, deliver “best practices” presentations in
response to the program by the general public in wanting to
the area of successful enforcement and investigation; vertical
protect themselves from vehicle theft.
prosecution and public awareness and community education
The AATA will continue to provide grant funding to Arizona law initiatives. The Summit will also include an awards ceremony
to recognize exceptional performance of criminal justice
enforcement agencies to implement and/or expand bait car
personnel and agencies involved in the fight against vehicle
programs, which continue to demonstrate significant theft
theft.
reduction results.

31

Special Thanks
The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority Board
of Directors and Staff would like to thank the
following individuals and organizations for their
continued support and assistance.
Nancy Beck, Arizona Attorney General’s Office
Christi Billquist, State Farm Insurance Company
John Blackburn, Jr. Executive Director, Arizona Criminal Justice Commission
Officer Eric Breindl, Phoenix Police Department
Ruben Chavez, AZ. DPS, Video Production Unit
Matt Conti, Pima County Attorney’s Office
Officer Bob Cummins, Phoenix Police Department
Debbie Drotar, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce
Jim Frederikson, Executive Director, Arizona Insurance Information Association
Kathy Groenewold, Crime Free Multi-Housing Coordinator, Tempe Police Department
Kim Kelly, Crime Prevention Specialist, Gilbert Police Department
Cara Liu, KPHO TV 5 News
Mel Kowal, Paradise Valley Police Department/Watch Your Car Program Volunteer
Chief Mikel Longman, Arizona Department of Public Safety
Andrew Luck, Allstate Insurance Company
Susan Luder, Deputy County Attorney, Maricopa County Attorney’s Office
Ralph Lumpkin, National Insurance Crime Bureau
Jean Lupa, AATA Volunteer
Sergeant Tom Macari, Scottsdale Police Department
Sergeant Rich Maiocco, Phoenix Police Department
Lieutenant Dan Mitchell, Commander, Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force
Officer Jennifer Miller, Prescott Valley Police Department
Vickie Owen, Crime Prevention Specialist, Gilbert Police Department
Bobby Owens, National Insurance Crime Bureau
Dalvin S. Palmer, AARP Driver Safety Program
Paul Palmer, AZ. DPS, Video Production Unit
Susan Preston, Arizona Criminal Justice Commission
Officer Jaime Ramirez, Phoenix Police Department
Christine Pinuelas, Administrative Services Manager, Maricopa County
Brian R. Salata, Bureau Chief, Pinal County Attorney’s Office
Annabelle Sanchez, Arizona State University Intern
Nancy Temporado, AZ. DPS/Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force
Annie Teyechea, AZ. DPS/Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force
Suzanne Wolf, AATA Volunteer
Thank you to the state’s criminal justice agencies for their continued participation in the
Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force and partnership with the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority.
Thank you to the private sector and community partners that help support our Annual Summit
on Vehicle Theft through financial and in-kind donations.
A special thank you to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) and the following insurance
companies for providing vehicles for the AATA’s Bait Car Program; Allstate, American Family,
Chubb, Country Mutual, Farmers, Geico, Liberty Mutual, Progressive, State Farm, Titan, and
USAA.

32

Arizona Automobile Theft Authority
1400 W. Washington Street, Suite 270
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Tel: (602) 364-2886
Fax: (602) 364-2897
Toll Free 1-888-668-4433

Website: www.azwatchyourcar.com

An Equal Employment Opportunity Agency

State of Arizona
Arizona Automobile Theft Authority
@Copyright 2005
The Copyright to all content of this report is held by the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority, except as indicated otherwise. All rights are reserved.

33