Arizona Automobile
Theft Authority
2009 Annual Report

Table of Contents
Letter to the Governor

3

Board of Directors

4

Agency Summary

6

Programs & Accomplishments

17

Watch Your Car

19

Financial Report

23

Impact of AATA on Motor
Vehicle Insurance Costs

25

Future of the AATA

25

Special Thanks

27

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

State of Arizona
Arizona Automobile Theft Authority
@Copyright 2009
The Copyright to all content of this report is held by the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority, except as indicated otherwise. All rights are reserved.
The report was prepared and produced entirely by AATA Staff.

2

Letter to the Governor
The Honorable Janice K. Brewer
Governor of Arizona
1700 West Washington
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Dear Governor Brewer:
It is with great pleasure that we present the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority’s (AATA) 2009 Annual
Report.
The AATA is pleased to report Arizona experienced a 12.25% reduction in stolen vehicles in 2008; the
sixth (6th) consecutive year for a posted decrease and a reduction in vehicle theft over 40% since 2003.
In addition, many Arizona law enforcement agencies have also reported decreases in vehicle thefts for
the first ten months of 2009.
The Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale and Tucson MSA’s (metropolitan statistical areas) are no longer on the top
ten auto theft hot spots list for U.S. cities. In 2008, Phoenix dropped to #19 (from #8 in 2007) on the list;
Tucson dropped to #13 (from #10 in 2007).
Our Agency believes the continuing decrease is a positive sign that the fight against auto theft by law
enforcement and criminal justice agencies, the insurance industry and the AATA continues to be
effective. Overall, Arizona consumers are impacted by reduced insurance rates and personal and
financial victimization.
The AATA will continue its commitment to further reducing the incidence of vehicle theft in the state with
support from our partners and looks forward to continued service to the citizens of Arizona.
Respectfully,

Dean C. Butler
Chairman of the Board

3

Board of Directors

June 30, 2009

Dean C. Butler, Chairman of the Board
Farmers Insurance Company
Dean Butler was appointed to the AATA Board of Directors on January 5, 2001. Mr. Butler is a
Farmers Insurance Agent with over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry; serving in
several capacities with the Farmers Phoenix Service Center. Mr. Butler represents one of two
insurance industry positions on the AATA Board and has served as the Board Chairman since 2007.

Chief Sherry Kiyler, Vice-Chair
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.

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.

Joe Brosius
Public Member
Governor Napolitano appointed Joe Brosius to the AATA Board of Directors in 2004. Mr. Brosius occupies
one of two public member positions on the AATA Board. He is a retired sergeant with the Tempe Police
Department, with over 20 years experience in the area of vehicle theft investigations.

Brian L. Garrett
State Farm Insurance Company
Brian Garrett was appointed to the AATA Board of Directors in 2005. Mr. Garrett represents one of two
insurance industry positions on the AATA Board. Mr. Garrett has been with State Farm Insurance Company
since 1982 and is currently the Section Manager of the Special Investigative Units (SIU) in Arizona, Nevada
and New Mexico.

Sheriff Ralph E. Ogden
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.

4

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.

Mary Snider
Public Member
Mary Snider was appointed to the AATA Board of Directors in 2008 and is one of two public members on
the AATA Board. Ms. Snider is a resident of Oro Valley and is a community volunteer who founded Project
Graduation in Oro Valley in 2002. Ms. Snider’s career has consisted of 29 years in the health care industry.
She attended Mt. Hood Community College and Portland Stat University in Portland, Oregon.

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. 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.

Andrew P. Thomas
Maricopa County Attorney
Andrew Thomas was appointed to the AATA Board of Directors on January 19, 2007. Mr. Thomas
occupies the County Attorney position on the AATA Board, representing a county with a population of one
million or more. Mr. Thomas was elected Maricopa County Attorney in November, 2004. He is a former
prosecutor and published author. He received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Missouri in
1988 and his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1991.

James P. Walsh
Pinal County Attorney
Governor Napolitano appointed Mr. Walsh to the AATA Board of Directors on June 29, 2007. Mr. Walsh
occupies the County Attorney position on the AATA Board, representing a county with a population of
one million or less. Mr. Walsh became the Pinal County Attorney on May 18, 2007 after being appointed by the
Pinal County Board of Supervisors. Before the Pinal County Attorney position, he served as Chief Deputy and
Special Counsel for Southern Arizona in the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

Arizona Automobile Theft Authority Staff
Brian R. Salata
Executive Director

Arthur Myer

Ann Armstrong

Administrative Services Officer

Public Affairs Officer

John Rares Almasan Nichole Thompson
Public Information Officer

5

Administrative Assistant

Agency Summary

on the 2008 calendar year, including those statistics cited from
the 2008 Uniform Crime Report, published by the Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the 2008 Crime in Arizona
Report published by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Introduction
The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) is supported
by semi-annual assessments from auto insurance companies
doing business in Arizona. These dedicated funds facilitate a
cooperative effort by the insurance industry, law enforcement
& criminal justice agencies and the citizens of Arizona. The
st
th
AATA’s fiscal year is from July 1 to June 30 and our budget
is appropriated biannually by the Arizona Legislature.
The AATA exists to establish, coordinate and fund activities to
prevent, combat and reduce vehicle theft in Arizona. By
focusing resources in enforcement/investigative units,
prosecution efforts, and aggressive public education programs,
the AATA, in partnership with statewide law enforcement
partners, has led the charge to reduce auto theft in Arizona.
AATA serves as a unique example of public/private and
consumer partnership and is viewed as a national model for
effective auto theft reduction strategies.

Vehicle Theft in Arizona & the U.S.
Vehicle theft facilitates and is associated with a wide range of
criminal activity in Arizona and the U.S. It accounts for
significant economic loss and affects the overall quality of life in
our communities. The AATA is working on local, state, national
and international level to develop, implement and support law
enforcement activities, border interdiction, vertical prosecution
and public education program to deter vehicle theft.
In 2008, Arizona reported 37,218 stolen vehicles, which reflects
a 25% decrease in the theft rate from 2007. The FBI’s 2008
Uniform Crime Report (UCR) indicates there were an estimated
956,846 of motor vehicle thefts in the United States in 2008,
with an estimated value of approximately $6.4 billion dollars.

The AATA remains diligent despite the continued reduction in
vehicle thefts and continue to remain concerned about the
moderate recovery rate of stolen vehicles (61.7% - see chart on
page 16) in Arizona. Our state’s proximity to Mexico 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
All motor vehicle theft statistics included in this report are based terrorism.
The prime beneficiaries, specifically the insurance industry and
vehicle owners/insurance consumers totally support the
government services from which they benefit. Last year’s
stolen vehicle recovery rate by the Az. Auto Theft Task Force
resulted in nearly $44 million recovered for victims and
insurance companies.

2008 ARIZONA CRIME CLOCK

one
VIOLENT CRIME
every 18 min. 11 sec.
one
MAJOR CRIME
every 1 min. 49 sec.
one
PROPERTY CRIME
every 2 min. 00 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 2008 Crime in Arizona Report

6

one
MURDER
every 21 hrs. 44 min.
one
FORCIBLE RAPE
every 5 hrs. 17 min.
one
ROBBERY
every 55 min. 34 sec.
one
AGGRAVATED
ASSAULT
every 31 min. 15 sec.
one
BURGLARY
every 9 min. 26 sec.
one
LARCENY — THEFT
every 3 min. 8 sec.
one
MOTOR VEHICLE
THEFT
every 14 min. 17 sec.
one
ARSON
every 4 hrs. 40 min.

The FBI’s UCR reflects that in 2008 the Western United States had from the previous year. In addition, the U.S., motor
approximately 23% of the U.S. population and accounted for 34% vehicle theft rate, estimated at 314.7 thefts per 100,000
of all motor vehicle thefts in the Nation. The estimated number of
inhabitants, had a decrease of 13.4%.
stolen vehicles in the U.S. in 2008 dropped 12.7%

Arizona Economic Loss: 1998-2008

The UCR also shows that all eight states in the West Mountain
Region experienced two digit decreases in the total number of
vehicle thefts.

Arizona’s population growth and our proximity to Mexico,
remain primary factors that significantly impact the vehicle
theft rate and other criminal activity. Despite the tremendous
growth in population, the 2008 UCR report shows that
Arizona’s theft rate decreased over 25 percent from 2007
and remained number two in the nation, behind Nevada.

According to the Arizona Department of Commerce, Arizona’s
population for 2008 is 6,629,455 which reflects an increase
of over 1,498,823 people, or 29.2 percent, since 2000.

Arizona Population: 1910 - 2008

*Arizona’s estimated population as of 07/01/2008 (6,629,455)
Note: Source — Arizona Department of Commerce

7

Vehicle Theft in AZ and U.S. - continued
th

rd

Arizona ranks fifth (5 ) in the nation in total number of vehicles stolen, and remained in third (3 ) place in the
Un
United
States for vehicle thefts per capita, behind Washington, D.C., and Nevada. Arizona experienced a
significant decrease in total vehicle thefts as well as the theft rate for 2008, while other states posted lower
percentage decreases as demonstrated on the tables below.

Motor Vehicle Theft by State
Comparison 2007/2008
Ranked by Vehicle Theft Rate for Calendar Year 2007 to 2008
RANK
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
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
Maryland
Washington
Georgia
New Mexico
Hawaii
South Carolina
Michigan
Missouri
Texas
Florida
Louisiana
Tennessee
Rhode Island
Oregon
Oklahoma
Delaware
North Carolina
Alabama
Indiana
Colorado
Kansas
Utah
Connecticut
Illinois
Ohio
Alaska
Nebraska
New Jersey
Arkansas
Mississippi
Wisconsin
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Pennsylvania
Kentucky
Puerto Rico
West Virginia
Virginia
Montana
Iowa
North Dakota
Wyoming
New York
Idaho
New Hampshire
South Dakota
Vermont
Maine

TOTAL# in
2008

TOTAL# in
2007

%
CHANGE

2008 THEFT
RATE*

2007 THEFT
RATE*

%
CHANGE

6,465
15,903
37,218
192,527
25,333
28,331
39,628
8,004
5,133
17,652
36,241
20,765
85,350
63,509
13,743
19,224
3,200
11,331
10,881
2,541
26,743
13,458
17,455
13,519
7,395
7,195
8,963
32,572
28,532
1,638
4,188
20,180
6,511
6,352
11,520
12,737
10,078
22,471
7,667
7,003
3,204
13,259
1,573
4,332
882
713
25,114
1,668
1,387
800
585
1,176

7,600
22,331
48,389
219,392
28,393
37,622
42,594
8,939
6,715
17,026
42,151
23,784
93,899
73,656
15,180
21,658
3,226
14,549
13,459
2,316
27,966
14,230
19,557
16,792
8,564
8,812
9,167
33,887
33,779
2,418
5,201
21,953
7,010
7,381
13,433
14,992
12,526
26,461
8,675
7,822
3,492
14,054
1,755
4,885
914
796
28,030
2,226
1,299
735
641
1,259

-14.93%
-28.79%
-23.09%
-12.25%
-10.78%
-24.70%
-6.96%
-10.46%
-23.56%
3.68%
-14.02%
-12.69%
-9.10%
-13.78%
-9.47%
-11.24%
-0.81%
-22.12%
-19.15%
9.72%
-4.37%
-5.43%
-10.75%
-19.49%
-13.65%
-18.35%
-2.23%
-3.88%
-15.53%
-32.26%
-19.48%
-8.08%
-7.12%
-13.94%
-14.24%
-15.04%
-19.54%
-15.08%
-11.62%
-10.47%
-8.25%
-5.66%
-10.37%
-11.32%
-3.50%
-10.43%
-10.40%
-25.07%
6.77%
8.84%
-8.74%
-6.59%

1,092.4
611.6
572.6
523.8
449.7
432.6
409.1
403.4
398.5
394.0
362.3
351.3
350.8
346.5
311.6
309.3
304.5
299.0
298.7
291.0
290.0
288.7
273.7
273.7
263.9
262.9
256.0
252.5
248.4
238.7
234.8
232.4
228.0
216.2
204.7
196.0
193.1
180.5
179.6
177.1
176.6
170.7
162.6
144.3
137.5
133.9
128.9
109.5
105.4
99.5
94.2
89.3

1,291.9
870.5
763.4
600.2
505.4
581.6
446.3
453.8
523.2
386.3
418.5
404.6
392.8
403.6
353.6
351.8
305.0
388.2
372.1
267.8
308.6
307.5
308.2
345.4
308.5
333.1
261.7
263.7
294.6
353.8
293.1
252.7
247.3
252.9
239.8
232.4
241.0
212.8
204.5
198.5
192.7
182.2
183.2
163.5
142.9
152.2
145.3
148.5
98.7
92.3
103.2
95.6

-15.44%
-29.74%
-24.99%
-12.73%
-11.02%
-25.62%
-8.34%
-11.11%
-23.83%
1.99%
-13.43%
-13.17%
-10.69%
-14.15%
-11.88%
-12.08%
-0.16%
-22.98%
-19.73%
8.66%
-6.03%
-6.11%
-11.19%
-20.76%
-14.46%
-21.07%
-2.18%
-4.25%
-15.68%
-32.53%
-19.89%
-8.03%
-7.80%
-14.51%
-14.64%
-15.66%
-19.88%
-15.18%
-12.18%
-10.78%
-8.35%
-6.31%
-11.24%
-11.74%
-3.78%
-12.02%
-11.29%
-26.26%
6.79%
7.80%
-8.72%
-6.59%

*Motor Vehicle Theft Rate Per 100,000 Inhabitants
Information obtained from the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation 2008 Uniform Crime Report

8

Motor Vehicle Theft by State
Comparison 2007/2008
Ranked by Vehicle Theft Rate % Change for Calendar Year 2007 to 2008

RANK
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
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
Delaware
South Dakota
New Hampshire
South Carolina
Rhode Island
Connecticut
North Dakota
Illinois
North Carolina
Alabama
Virginia
Maine
Arkansas
New Jersey
Georgia
West Virginia
Vermont
Texas
Puerto Rico
Maryland
New Mexico
Indiana
Montana
New York
Iowa
Louisiana
Wyoming
Tennessee
Kentucky
California
Missouri
Michigan
Florida
Kansas
Mississippi
Wisconsin
Pennsylvania
District of Columbia
Massachusetts
Ohio
Oklahoma
Minnesota
Nebraska
Colorado
Utah
Oregon
Hawaii
Arizona
Washington
Idaho
Nevada
Alaska

TOTAL# in
2008

TOTAL# in
2007

%
CHANGE

2008 THEFT
RATE*

2007 THEFT
RATE*

%
CHANGE

2,541
800
1,387
17,652
3,200
8,963
882
32,572
26,743
13,458
13,259
1,176
6,511
20,180
39,628
3,204
585
85,350
7,003
25,333
8,004
17,455
1,573
25,114
4,332
13,743
713
19,224
7,667
192,527
20,765
36,241
63,509
7,395
6,352
11,520
22,471
6,465
12,737
28,532
10,881
10,078
4,188
13,519
7,195
11,331
5,133
37,218
28,331
1,668
15,903
1,638

2,316
735
1,299
17,026
3,226
9,167
914
33,887
27,966
14,230
14,054
1,259
7,010
21,953
42,594
3,492
641
93,899
7,822
28,393
8,939
19,557
1,755
28,030
4,885
15,180
796
21,658
8,675
219,392
23,784
42,151
73,656
8,564
7,381
13,433
26,461
7,600
14,992
33,779
13,459
12,526
5,201
16,792
8,812
14,549
6,715
48,389
37,622
2,226
22,331
2,418

9.72%
8.84%
6.77%
3.68%
-0.81%
-2.23%
-3.50%
-3.88%
-4.37%
-5.43%
-5.66%
-6.59%
-7.12%
-8.08%
-6.96%
-8.25%
-8.74%
-9.10%
-10.47%
-10.78%
-10.46%
-10.75%
-10.37%
-10.40%
-11.32%
-9.47%
-10.43%
-11.24%
-11.62%
-12.25%
-12.69%
-14.02%
-13.78%
-13.65%
-13.94%
-14.24%
-15.08%
-14.93%
-15.04%
-15.53%
-19.15%
-19.54%
-19.48%
-19.49%
-18.35%
-22.12%
-23.56%
-23.09%
-24.70%
-25.07%
-28.79%
-32.26%

291.0
99.5
105.4
394.0
304.5
256.0
137.5
252.5
290.0
288.7
170.7
89.3
228.0
232.4
409.1
176.6
94.2
350.8
177.1
449.7
403.4
273.7
162.6
128.9
144.3
311.6
133.9
309.3
179.6
523.8
351.3
362.3
346.5
263.9
216.2
204.7
180.5
1,092.4
196.0
248.4
298.7
193.1
234.8
273.7
262.9
299.0
398.5
572.6
432.6
109.5
611.6
238.7

267.8
92.3
98.7
386.3
305.0
261.7
142.9
263.7
308.6
307.5
182.2
95.6
247.3
252.7
446.3
192.7
103.2
392.8
198.5
505.4
453.8
308.2
183.2
145.3
163.5
353.6
152.2
351.8
204.5
600.2
404.6
418.5
403.6
308.5
252.9
239.8
212.8
1,291.9
232.4
294.6
372.1
241.0
293.1
345.4
333.1
388.2
523.2
763.4
581.6
148.5
870.5
353.8

8.66%
7.80%
6.79%
1.99%
-0.16%
-2.18%
-3.78%
-4.25%
-6.03%
-6.11%
-6.31%
-6.59%
-7.80%
-8.03%
-8.34%
-8.35%
-8.72%
-10.69%
-10.78%
-11.02%
-11.11%
-11.19%
-11.24%
-11.29%
-11.74%
-11.88%
-12.02%
-12.08%
-12.18%
-12.73%
-13.17%
-13.43%
-14.15%
-14.46%
-14.51%
-14.64%
-15.18%
-15.44%
-15.66%
-15.68%
-19.73%
-19.88%
-19.89%
-20.76%
-21.07%
-22.98%
-23.83%
-24.99%
-25.62%
-26.26%
-29.74%
-32.53%

*Motor Vehicle Theft Rate Per 100,000 Inhabitants
Information obtained from the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation 2008 Uniform Crime Report

9

Motor Vehicle Theft by State
Comparison 2007/2008
Ranked by Total Vehicle Thefts for Calendar Year 2007 to 2008

RANK
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
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
Georgia
Arizona
Michigan
Illinois
Ohio
Washington
North Carolina
Maryland
New York
Pennsylvania
Missouri
New Jersey
Tennessee
South Carolina
Indiana
Nevada
Louisiana
Colorado
Alabama
Virginia
Massachusetts
Wisconsin
Oregon
Oklahoma
Minnesota
Connecticut
New Mexico
Kentucky
Kansas
Utah
Puerto Rico
Arkansas
District of Columbia
Mississippi
Hawaii
Iowa
Nebraska
West Virginia
Rhode Island
Delaware
Idaho
Alaska
Montana
New Hampshire
Maine
North Dakota
South Dakota
Wyoming
Vermont

TOTAL# in
2008

TOTAL# in
2007

%
CHANGE

2008 THEFT
RATE*

2007 THEFT
RATE*

%
CHANGE

192,527
85,350
63,509
39,628
37,218
36,241
32,572
28,532
28,331
26,743
25,333
25,114
22,471
20,765
20,180
19,224
17,652
17,455
15,903
13,743
13,519
13,458
13,259
12,737
11,520
11,331
10,881
10,078
8,963
8,004
7,667
7,395
7,195
7,003
6,511
6,465
6,352
5,133
4,332
4,188
3,204
3,200
2,541
1,668
1,638
1,573
1,387
1,176
882
800
713
585

219,392
93,899
73,656
42,594
48,389
42,151
33,887
33,779
37,622
27,966
28,393
28,030
26,461
23,784
21,953
21,658
17,026
19,557
22,331
15,180
16,792
14,230
14,054
14,992
13,433
14,549
13,459
12,526
9,167
8,939
8,675
8,564
8,812
7,822
7,010
7,600
7,381
6,715
4,885
5,201
3,492
3,226
2,316
2,226
2,418
1,755
1,299
1,259
914
735
796
641

-12.25%
-9.10%
-13.78%
-6.96%
-23.09%
-14.02%
-3.88%
-15.53%
-24.70%
-4.37%
-10.78%
-10.40%
-15.08%
-12.69%
-8.08%
-11.24%
3.68%
-10.75%
-28.79%
-9.47%
-19.49%
-5.43%
-5.66%
-15.04%
-14.24%
-22.12%
-19.15%
-19.54%
-2.23%
-10.46%
-11.62%
-13.65%
-18.35%
-10.47%
-7.12%
-14.93%
-13.94%
-23.56%
-11.32%
-19.48%
-8.25%
-0.81%
9.72%
-25.07%
-32.26%
-10.37%
6.77%
-6.59%
-3.50%
8.84%
-10.43%
-8.74%

523.8
350.8
346.5
409.1
572.6
362.3
252.5
248.4
432.6
290.0
449.7
128.9
180.5
351.3
232.4
309.3
394.0
273.7
611.6
311.6
273.7
288.7
170.7
196.0
204.7
299.0
298.7
193.1
256.0
403.4
179.6
263.9
262.9
177.1
228.0
1,092.4
216.2
398.5
144.3
234.8
176.6
304.5
291.0
109.5
238.7
162.6
105.4
89.3
137.5
99.5
133.9
94.2

600.2
392.8
403.6
446.3
763.4
418.5
263.7
294.6
581.6
308.6
505.4
145.3
212.8
404.6
252.7
351.8
386.3
308.2
870.5
353.6
345.4
307.5
182.2
232.4
239.8
388.2
372.1
241.0
261.7
453.8
204.5
308.5
333.1
198.5
247.3
1,291.9
252.9
523.2
163.5
293.1
192.7
305.0
267.8
148.5
353.8
183.2
98.7
95.6
142.9
92.3
152.2
103.2

-12.73%
-10.69%
-14.15%
-8.34%
-24.99%
-13.43%
-4.25%
-15.68%
-25.62%
-6.03%
-11.02%
-11.29%
-15.18%
-13.17%
-8.03%
-12.08%
1.99%
-11.19%
-29.74%
-11.88%
-20.76%
-6.11%
-6.31%
-15.66%
-14.64%
-22.98%
-19.73%
-19.88%
-2.18%
-11.11%
-12.18%
-14.46%
-21.07%
-10.78%
-7.80%
-15.44%
-14.51%
-23.83%
-11.74%
-19.89%
-8.35%
-0.16%
8.66%
-26.26%
-32.53%
-11.24%
6.79%
-6.59%
-3.78%
7.80%
-12.02%
-8.72%

*Motor Vehicle Theft Rate Per 100,000 Inhabitants
Information obtained from the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation 2008 Uniform Crime Report

10

Motor Vehicle Theft by State
Comparison 2007/2008
Ranked by Total Vehicle Thefts % Change for Calendar Year 2007 to 2008

RANK
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
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
Delaware
South Dakota
New Hampshire
South Carolina
Rhode Island
Connecticut
North Dakota
Illinois
North Carolina
Alabama
Virginia
Maine
Georgia
Arkansas
New Jersey
West Virginia
Vermont
Texas
Louisiana
Montana
New York
Wyoming
New Mexico
Puerto Rico
Indiana
Maryland
Tennessee
Iowa
Kentucky
California
Missouri
Kansas
Florida
Mississippi
Michigan
Wisconsin
District of Columbia
Massachusetts
Pennsylvania
Ohio
Utah
Oklahoma
Nebraska
Colorado
Minnesota
Oregon
Arizona
Hawaii
Washington
Idaho
Nevada
Alaska

TOTAL# in
2008

TOTAL# in
2007

%
CHANGE

2008 THEFT
RATE*

2007 THEFT
RATE*

%
CHANGE

2,541
800
1,387
17,652
3,200
8,963
882
32,572
26,743
13,458
13,259
1,176
39,628
6,511
20,180
3,204
585
85,350
13,743
1,573
25,114
713
8,004
7,003
17,455
25,333
19,224
4,332
7,667
192,527
20,765
7,395
63,509
6,352
36,241
11,520
6,465
12,737
22,471
28,532
7,195
10,881
4,188
13,519
10,078
11,331
37,218
5,133
28,331
1,668
15,903
1,638

2,316
735
1,299
17,026
3,226
9,167
914
33,887
27,966
14,230
14,054
1,259
42,594
7,010
21,953
3,492
641
93,899
15,180
1,755
28,030
796
8,939
7,822
19,557
28,393
21,658
4,885
8,675
219,392
23,784
8,564
73,656
7,381
42,151
13,433
7,600
14,992
26,461
33,779
8,812
13,459
5,201
16,792
12,526
14,549
48,389
6,715
37,622
2,226
22,331
2,418

9.72%
8.84%
6.77%
3.68%
-0.81%
-2.23%
-3.50%
-3.88%
-4.37%
-5.43%
-5.66%
-6.59%
-6.96%
-7.12%
-8.08%
-8.25%
-8.74%
-9.10%
-9.47%
-10.37%
-10.40%
-10.43%
-10.46%
-10.47%
-10.75%
-10.78%
-11.24%
-11.32%
-11.62%
-12.25%
-12.69%
-13.65%
-13.78%
-13.94%
-14.02%
-14.24%
-14.93%
-15.04%
-15.08%
-15.53%
-18.35%
-19.15%
-19.48%
-19.49%
-19.54%
-22.12%
-23.09%
-23.56%
-24.70%
-25.07%
-28.79%
-32.26%

291.0
99.5
105.4
394.0
304.5
256.0
137.5
252.5
290.0
288.7
170.7
89.3
409.1
228.0
232.4
176.6
94.2
350.8
311.6
162.6
128.9
133.9
403.4
177.1
273.7
449.7
309.3
144.3
179.6
523.8
351.3
263.9
346.5
216.2
362.3
204.7
1,092.4
196.0
180.5
248.4
262.9
298.7
234.8
273.7
193.1
299.0
572.6
398.5
432.6
109.5
611.6
238.7

267.8
92.3
98.7
386.3
305.0
261.7
142.9
263.7
308.6
307.5
182.2
95.6
446.3
247.3
252.7
192.7
103.2
392.8
353.6
183.2
145.3
152.2
453.8
198.5
308.2
505.4
351.8
163.5
204.5
600.2
404.6
308.5
403.6
252.9
418.5
239.8
1,291.9
232.4
212.8
294.6
333.1
372.1
293.1
345.4
241.0
388.2
763.4
523.2
581.6
148.5
870.5
353.8

8.66%
7.80%
6.79%
1.99%
-0.16%
-2.18%
-3.78%
-4.25%
-6.03%
-6.11%
-6.31%
-6.59%
-8.34%
-7.80%
-8.03%
-8.35%
-8.72%
-10.69%
-11.88%
-11.24%
-11.29%
-12.02%
-11.11%
-10.78%
-11.19%
-11.02%
-12.08%
-11.74%
-12.18%
-12.73%
-13.17%
-14.46%
-14.15%
-14.51%
-13.43%
-14.64%
-15.44%
-15.66%
-15.18%
-15.68%
-21.07%
-19.73%
-19.89%
-20.76%
-19.88%
-22.98%
-24.99%
-23.83%
-25.62%
-26.26%
-29.74%
-32.53%

*Motor Vehicle Theft Rate Per 100,000 Inhabitants
Information obtained from the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation 2008 Uniform Crime Report

11

As of October 31, 2009, the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD)
reported that there were 6,675,447 vehicles registered in
Arizona; with 37,218 vehicles reported stolen last year, this
equates to about 0.56% of the total number of vehicles
registered in Arizona.

Despite recent reductions, vehicle theft continues to be a
challenge for Arizona, and current statistics continue to
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: 1998-2008

Arizona Vehicle Theft Trends
*Vehicle Theft Rate: 1998-2008

*Note: Numbers/values used in the above graphs reflect information contained in the 2008 FBI Uniform Crime Report

12

Agency Summary - continued
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 members representing the insurance industry; and
two members of the general public. The AATA has a staff
responsible for executing the Agency’s goals and strategic
plan.

In 2009 the AATA also issued grant funding to statewide law
enforcement and criminal justice agencies for enforcement,
professional training, vertical prosecution and public
awareness programs. The AATA approved grants and
program expenditures in the amount of $1,014,344 (21.2% of
total budget) to statewide law enforcement and criminal
justice agencies throughout Arizona.

Since 2000, the AATA Board of Directors has awarded grants
to law enforcement agencies and county attorney offices
throughout Arizona. Grant funds help support programs and
services to prevent and deter vehicle theft, as well as
apprehend and prosecute auto theft criminals.

In FY’s 09 and 10, the AATA has been faced with budget
reductions by the Legislature as well as decreased revenue
due to a downward trend in insurance collections. According
to the Motor Vehicle Division, Arizona has experienced a
7.6% decrease in registered vehicles this year, which mirrors
the impact for the insurance industry. The reductions have
and will continue to negatively impact auto theft reduction
programs in Arizona.

In 2008 & 2009, the AATA continued to focus a majority of its
resource allocation ($3,183,996 or 66.7% of total budget) to
the Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force (AVTTF), for its
continued statewide enforcement and investigative efforts
and impressive stolen vehicle recovery results.

AATA 2009 Customer Satisfaction Survey
In July 2009, the AATA mailed 202 Customer Satisfaction
surveys to a random sampling of current Watch Your Car
Program members. The AATA received 80 completed
surveys (39.6% return rate) and the responses have been
tabulated (see Figures 1-9 on page 13).

meeting, or through other campaigns including mailing
advertising/pay check inserts.
(See Figure 3)
Most respondents (over 92.5%) 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 user friendly and do
not require any further clarification. (See Figure 4)

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 comments have
also provided useful information about what additional steps
the public is taking to prevent vehicle theft. (See Figure 7)
An overwhelming 80% of the respondents enrolled in the
Watch Your Car program via the MVD mailer piece sent with
their registration renewal tag. More than 16 percent of people
applied for the Watch Your Car program by participating in
law enforcement/AATA vehicle theft prevention events in their
community.
The AATA was pleased to learn that nearly 4% of the
respondents enrolled via the AATA website by completing an
on-line application form. This is the most efficient method of
enrollment in this program and will continue to be actively
promoted by the AATA. (See Figure 1)
Over 52% of the respondents learned about the Watch
Your Car program from the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD)
partnership mailing. An additional 37% 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

Nearly every respondent (97.5%) agreed or strongly 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)
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)
Regarding demographics, about 81% of the respondents
were age 60 and over. Roughly 14% were between 41-59
years of age. Approximately 5% of the respondents were age
26-40, and 0% respondents were age 18-25. (See Figure 9)
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.

13

How did you enroll in the Watch Your Car
program?

Percent Survey Response

Figure 2
Figure 1
Did you request assistance at the time
you enrolled in the WYC program?

How did you hear about the Watch Your
Car Program?

Figure 4

Figure 3
Are you satisfied with the Watch Your Car
Program?

Was staff readily available to assist you?

Figure 5
Figure 6
Has being a member of the WYC program
encouraged you to take extra precautions
in protecting your vehicle?

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

What is your age range?
Figure 7

Figure 9
14

Figure 8

Agency Summary - continued
Vehicle Theft - Problem Assessment
Vehicle theft is a crime of facilitation. Vehicles are stolen for a
variety of reasons, they may be stolen simply as a means of
transportation or to facilitate other crimes, such
as residential and commercial burglaries, robberies, ID theft,
illegal drug and human smuggling activities as well as driveby-shootings. 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 buyers. VIN cloning is a growing
national problem. This crime is similar to ID theft where the
identity (VIN) of a good vehicle is taken and used to conceal
the true identity of a stolen vehicle of an identical make and
model. These vehicles are then titled in another state and
sold to an unsuspecting victim. This is a crime that can be
prevented through the use of a system called, NMVTIS.

Arizona is part of NMVTIS (National Motor Vehicle Title
Information System) that allows titling to instantly and reliably
verify information on the paper title with the electronic data
from the state that issued the title. The main issue is that so
far, only a handful of states are connected. The “VIN” is the
vehicle identification number and is unique to only one
vehicle.
Vehicles are also stolen and smuggled out of the country;
stolen vehicles from the U.S. and other affluent countries
end up in Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Mexico,
Central and South America. The moderate recovery rate of
stolen vehicles indicates greater organized criminal activity
and the problem of vehicles crossing International border
lines. Additionally, Interpol, the international intelligence
community, has identified vehicle theft and related criminal
activity, including insurance fraud, as a primary illicit fundraising source supporting international terrorism.

Hot Wheels – U.S. and Arizona Most Frequently Stolen Vehicles

15

Arizona Vehicle Theft Trends
Recovery Rate: 1998 - 2008

international borders. In 2008, most of the leading MSA’s
vehicle theft rates were in the western United States; six of
the top ten were in California. Phoenix dropped from eighth
to nineteenth and Tucson from tenth to thirteenth place on
the list.

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’s a rather transient nature of our population,
with many people living in multi-family housing units, such as
apartment communities, condos 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.

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 across
international borders before the owner realizes that it’s
missing.

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

National Vehicle Theft Trends
Vehicle Theft Rates 2008: Leading MSA’s*

(Per 100,000 population)

Source:

16

2008 FBI Uniform Crime Report
*MSA’s – Metropolitan Statistical Area (encompasses multiple jurisdictions)

AATA Programs & Accomplishments
Each of the three strategic initiatives of the AATA – law
enforcement, aggressive prosecution and public education all
work together to combat vehicle theft throughout Arizona.

In the October 2009, the AATA kicked off an Auto Theft
Prevention Campaign in partnership with statewide law
enforcement agencies, Winner International, Checker and
Pep Boys Auto Stores throughout Arizona through December.

Public Education

In 2009, the AATA also continued its partnership with the
Arizona Multihousing Association for the Annual Project
S.A.F.E (Safety Awareness Family Education) Program at
statewide multi-family housing communities. The AATA
conducted vehicle theft prevention presentations and
provided resources to residents at these communities.

The AATA’s 2009 public awareness initiatives focused on
strengthening our partnerships and collaborative efforts with
community organizations, corporations and businesses, as
well as criminal justice agencies throughout Arizona. The
Agency has also incorporated email and social media
networking into our public outreach efforts.
During FY 2009/2010, the AATA awarded $133,714 in grant
funds to twenty-six (26) law enforcement agencies to conduct
public awareness activities on auto theft prevention, while
also promoting VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) Etching
and a “layered approach” to protecting vehicles, particularly
important for older make/model vehicles. Grant agencies are
required to submit quarterly performance reports to the AATA
on their public awareness and community education efforts.
During this period, partnering agencies participated in 703
public awareness events and meetings; VIN etched
thousands of vehicles and conducted on-going law
enforcement personnel training within their agencies.
On March 7, 2009, the AATA, in partnership with the Gilbert
Police Department and statewide law enforcement agencies
hosted the Fourth Annual Statewide Vehicle Theft Prevention
Day. Over 50 agencies participated throughout the state by
hosting auto theft prevention and/or free Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) etching events in an effort to increase
awareness about auto theft prevention.

The AATA continues to promote our Youth Prevention
Programs 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 these programs to students.
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.
In 2009, 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.
The AATA has also continued its corporate outreach program
to local businesses to educate their employees about vehicle
theft prevention. The Agency continues to attend employee
presentations and host on-site safety fairs and employee VIN
etching events. Some of the corporations include: Wal-Mart,
Target, MFS Investments, Pep Boys Auto Stores, Checker
Auto Stores, and CNA National Warranty.
This year, the AATA has implemented several new online
marketing and social networking strategies including a
Facebook Fan Page (Arizona Auto Theft Authority) and
Twitter account (azautotheft).
In 2009, the AATA’s web site (www.azwatchyourcar.com)
was upgraded to provide the most current auto theft related
information and statistics, events, e-newsletters. The website
is updated regularly by AATA staff. Staff has also been
promoting on-line Watch Your Car enrollment and e-business
practices available for customers on the website.

Governor’s Proclamation for 2009 Arizona
Vehicle Theft Prevention & Awareness Day
17

AATA Promotional Items
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.
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 2009, 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 2009, it’s estimated over
10,000 vehicles received free VIN etching utilizing the AATA’s
equipment.

The following are examples of these types
of events the AATA participated in during 2009:
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
Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods (GAIN) Events
State University and Community College Events
AARP’s Driver Safety Education Classes
Civic Group Presentations

18

Watch Your Car Program Enrollments

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. As of December 2009, the AATA had nearly 78,000 vehicles enrolled in the program.

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*2009 Arizona Vehicle Thefts By County

*Source: Arizona Department of Public Safety – 2008 Crime in Arizona Report

Vertical Prosecution Program
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.

In FY 2008/2009, the program funded prosecutors in
Cochise, Maricopa, Mohave Pima, Pinal and Santa Cruz
counties.
The results of the Vertical Prosecution program over the
last
two years are as follows:
2008

2009

6

6

1,355

1,568

Number of convictions

670

855

Percent of convictions
to cases closed

96%

93.4%

Number of participating
counties

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.

Number of vehicle
theft cases filed

Amount of restitution
ordered (in millions)

$1.4m

$1.8m

In FY 2009/2010, the Vertical Prosecution program has
been reduced to three counties (Maricopa, Pima and Pinal)
and only a handful of funded prosecutors due to budget
reductions.

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Law Enforcement Programs
A critical role in the AATA’s mission is to support
proactive law enforcement activities. Since 1997, the
AATA, in partnership with the Arizona Department of
Public Safety, state, local, and county law enforcement
agencies, has funded the Arizona Vehicle Theft Task
Force.
Since 2002, the AATA has also issued statewide grants
through our annual Law Enforcement Grant program.
These grants are awarded to law enforcement agencies
throughout Arizona to promote more efficient and
effective law enforcement activities in vehicle theft
investigations, enforcement and prevention within their
jurisdictions. For FY 2009/2010, the AATA Board
awarded $83,971 in Law Enforcement Grants to thirteen
(13) agencies. The awards included funding to law
enforcement agencies for continuation of bait car
programs, license plate readers and proactive vehicle
theft investigations.

Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force
or
“RATTLER”
Regional Auto Theft Team Law
Enforcement Response
The Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force (AVTTF) serves as a
statewide resource for the investigation of property crimes
involving vehicles and related components. The Task Force
provides technical expertise, training and investigative
support to law enforcement agencies targeting vehicle theft
and related crimes.
AZ Vehicle Theft Task Force investigates
Phoenix chop shop – recover chopped
Honda.

The Auto Theft Task Force is comprised of state, county, and
local law enforcement agencies and private company
partners participating in a concerted effort to identify,
apprehend, and prosecute individuals and criminal
organizations that profit from the theft of motor vehicles and
related crimes.

2008/2009 Auto Theft Task Force Case
Highlights

The Task Force continues to provide exceptional service to
the citizens of Arizona through various enforcement strategies
and public awareness programs. The task force is
recognized within the State of Arizona and nationally as a
model multi-agency auto theft task force. The task force has
clearly defined goals and objectives which are outlined in our
mission statement, policies, and strategic plan.
During FY09, the Task Force conducted a number of special
proactive enforcement operations in Maricopa, Pinal, Pima
and Yuma counties designed to detect and recover stolen
vehicles. These operations were worked in partnership with
local and county law enforcement agencies and have been
successful in locating and arresting auto theft suspects. In
FY09, the Task Force recovered 3,098 stolen vehicles at an
estimated value of $43,967,185.

On May 28, 2009, Vehicle Theft Task Force detectives
assisted Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deputies in
locating and arresting a subject involved in an aggravated
assault in Maricopa County and who was wanted on several
felony warrants issued out of Canada for Theft of Means,
operating a chop shop and VIN switching truck tractors and
trailers. Canadian authorities also believed the suspect may
be in the possession of a truck and trailers which had been
stolen in Canada. MCSO and Vehicle Theft Task Force
detectives located the suspect’s Arizona residence and took
him into custody after trying to flee on foot.
In August 2009, Vehicle Theft Task Force detectives worked
a case involving a group who were stealing, VIN switching
and selling stolen vehicles in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah,
and Wyoming. The main suspect was located and arrested
by Task Force detectives on warrants issued by

21

Yavapai County for auto theft and related crimes. The main
suspect was sentenced to 25 years prison plus was required
to pay restitution to his victims.

License Plate Readers
The AATA, through grants to law enforcement agencies,
supports automated license plate readers (LPR’S) to detect
and interdict stolen vehicles. LPR’s have the capability of
scanning thousands of plates on a daily basis, sweeping
parking lots, streets and highways to recover stolen vehicles
faster than ever before. The use of LPR’s is being
embraced by law enforcement departments across the
state, including the AZ. Department of Public Safety.

AZ Vehicle Theft Task Force detectives
investigate LoJack recovery on insurance
fraud case.

Bait Car Program – Taking Car
Thieves For a Ride
LPR camera and system

The AATA began supporting law enforcement Bait Car
Programs in 2003 as a joint project with the National
Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), statewide law enforcement
agencies and the insurance industry. The program
continues to demonstrate successful results; as of December
2009, the program has nearly 300 arrests since the program
began. Vehicles provided by NICB and donated by
insurance companies, are equipped with bait systems
funded by the AATA.

Professional Training Grants

Although funding was not available in FY 2009/2010, the
Professional Training Grants are awarded to law
enforcement and prosecutorial agencies to promote
professional training and development of its personnel.
Criminal justice agencies within the State of Arizona are
The technology utilizes computers, satellites and tracking devices, notified of the availability and purpose of grant funds, and
which alert police when the bait car has been entered, therefore
are eligible to submit applications for grants provided they
allowing the vehicle to be tracked then stopped by
comply with the terms and conditions of the grant. Awards
law enforcement. The vehicles are deployed in high auto theft
are based on the evaluation of the training requested as
areas throughout the state. The prosecution of these cases
well as the impact the training will have on the statewide
has been highly successful; resulting in a 100% conviction rate
effort to combat vehicle theft.
and funded through the AATA’s Vertical Prosecution Grant
Program.

Mesa Police Department Bait Car Video

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Financial Report
For the Year Ended June 30, 2009

in the prior year resulted from lower rates of return in the
current year due to market trends, even though the cash and
investment balance increased by $38,024.

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,
2009 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
did not identify any deficiencies in internal control over
financial reporting 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.

Revenue

Expenditures
Total expenditures for the current year were $4,775,337
a decrease of $661,013 from the total expenditures from
the previous year of $5,436,350. This does not include a cash
transfer to the primary government (State of Arizona, General
Fund) of $324,100, for budget balancing purposes.
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, 2009, the Authority was in compliance
with this statute with “costs of administration” being 6.39%,
of “the monies in the fund” as verified by the audit. The
AATA’s administrative costs for the fiscal year were 6.89% of
total expenditures.
The AATA ended the year with cash and investments with
the State Treasurer of $64,577.

Revenue Forecast
Revenue from the Insurance Assessment for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 2009 decreased slightly (.36%) from the prior
year. This decrease, although small, is significant and can be
at least in part attributable to many of the same economic
factors that are driving the current state of the economy.
Going forward, the agency expects revenue to be at the same
or slightly higher level for the next fiscal year.

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, 2009 were $ 5,099,832, a
decrease of $18,601 or .36% from the prior year.
All excess cash is invested with the State Treasurer
and the Authority earned $7,885 investment income in the
current year. The decrease of $16,394 from $24,279

Factors that will contribute to future revenue growth are:
I. Increase growth in Arizona’s population and
corresponding growth in the number of vehicles registered
and insured within the state.

II. Staff reviews to verify that the companies are complying
with all the statutory requirements concerning the
assessment.

23

Arizona Auto Theft Authority Fund
Statement of Operations by Program for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2009
Revenue
Current Year Collections
Prior Year Collections
Auto Theft Summit
Investment Income
Grants
Refund of unused grant funds
Total cash Collections
Revenue Accrued at June 30th
Total Revenue
Expenditure by Program
Administrative Costs (1,2)
Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force Grant
Vertical Prosecution Program
Public Awareness
Public Awareness Grant Program
Law Enforcement Grant Program
Professional Training & Special Grant Program
Emergency Grant Program
Auto Theft Events
Total Expenditures (3)
Transfer to Primary Government
Excess of revenues over expenditures
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
Aid to Organizations
Other Operating
Non-capital equipment
Total Expenditures
Non-appropriated Expenses
Watch Your Car Grants
Auto Theft Events
Total non-appropriated expenditures

4.
5.
6.

Total
Fund balance includes accrued income as per the audited finanical statements
Cash invested with the State Treasurer as of June 30th
Report based on audited financial statements

24

June 30, 2008

June 30, 2009

$5,069,788
48,645
24,279
3,728
5,146,440
291,963
5,438,403

$5,099,770
62
7,885
41,794
5,149,511
494,323
5,643,834

376,222
3,491,200
926,539
273,756
162,708
178,089
20,141
7,498
197
5,436,350
2,053
2,654,148
2,656,201

329,097
3,183,996
765,627
247,755
133,714
83,971
31,032
145
4,775,337
324,100
544,397
2,656,201
3,200,598

7.3%
6.9%

6.39%
6.89%

337,519
122,356
9,445
4,822
11,907
4,807,686
139,473
2,945
5,436,153

295,441
101,625
18,372
942
4,144
4,198,340
150,466
5,862
4,775,192

197
197

145
145

$5,436,350

$4,775,337

$6,693

$64,577

Impact of Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention
Programs on Vehicle Insurance Costs
The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority reports annually on the
impact of vehicle theft prevention programs on consumer
automobile insurance rates, the AATA received the following
statement from the Arizona Insurance Council (AIC):
Comprehensive coverage pays you if your
automobile is stolen or for damage caused by
things not covered under collision coverage, such
as vandalism, flooding, fire, a broken windshield or
damage from an animal.

Future of the AATA
In 2010, the AATA will continue to focus on its bold mission to
address Arizona’s vehicle theft rate while also maximizing
agency effectiveness, efficiency and customer satisfaction.
During 2010 and beyond, the AATA will continue its efforts to
reduce its administrative costs and maximize resources
through cost saving programs, which will be innovative,
flexible, adaptable and able to meet whatever challenges the
agency faces. All agency programs are currently being
reviewed not only for cost effectiveness, and best practices,
but also for ease of use for our customers, law enforcement
partners and stakeholders.
In today’s modern business and law enforcement climate, an
agency’s overall effectiveness can depend upon its ability to
adapt to an ever changing set of circumstances, conditions
and budget constraints. New ideas, business practices and
technologies must be adapted and embraced as we move
forward. In 2010, the AATA will continue to utilize technology
to streamline its processes and maximize resources in
several areas including the Watch Your Car program and
semi-annual insurance assessment collections.
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 Arizona’s vehicle theft rate.
The Authority will continue to expand cooperative efforts with
other governmental agencies in Arizona and other states, the
Federal Government, Mexico and Canada, including other
auto theft prevention authorities across the U.S., to combat
vehicle theft.
These efforts will include:
1. Continue to focus the Authority’s resources on
criminal justice agencies within the State of Arizona
to develop effective programs to combat vehicle theft.
2. Continue to promote cross-border cooperation to
deter exportation of stolen vehicles and stop
criminal car theft rings operating along ArizonaMexico border.
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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.
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 Council.
3. Continue to develop strategic partnerships with
community and business organizations.
4. Work with neighboring states to develop regional
projects to combat vehicle theft.
5. Expand cooperative efforts with auto theft authorities
in other states to promote cooperative efforts on a
national level.
6. Expand cooperative programs with the International
Association of Auto Theft Investigators.
7. Petition automobile manufacturers and the Federal
government to improve vehicles theft technology,
making it more difficult to steal and/or provide
enhanced recovery efforts by supporting component
parts marking.
8. Continue to advocate for effective legislation related to
auto theft issues and vehicle owner/consumer
protection. We will continue to pursue seeking
legislative measures to reduce vehicle theft similar to
the affidavit legislation passed in 2007 which requires
individuals reporting a stolen vehicle to sign an
affidavit attesting that the information provided is
accurate.
9 Identify organized criminal groups involved in the
theft of motor vehicles.
10. Continue to evaluate and seek support for deploying
both fixed and mobile license plate reading cameras
to aid in interdicting stolen vehicles.
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 effective programs.

Although programs have been reduced this year, the
prosecution and public education efforts will continue to be
vital components in the AATA’s efforts to combat vehicle theft
in Arizona. With some revision, the AATA intends to continue
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.

The AATA will continue to provide grant funding to Arizona
law enforcement agencies to implement and/or expand bait
car programs, which continue to demonstrate impressive
arrest and theft reduction results.
Also in 2010, the AATA, in partnership with statewide law
enforcement agencies will host the Fifth Annual Statewide
Vehicle Theft Prevention Day on March 6, 2010.

In 2010, 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.

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.
In 2010, the Agency will also look to expand our involvement
with e-communications and social media networking
opportunities.

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, presentations by AATA staff
and criminal justice personnel along with VIN etching.
The AATA is also looking to increase exposure through the
Service Arizona website as another effective approach to
educate the public about the Watch Your Car program and
auto theft prevention safety tips.

26

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.
Arizona Auto Theft Investigators Association (AATIA)
International Association Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI)
Caitlin Acker, Analyst, Joint Legislative Budget Committee
Camila Alarcon, Arizona Attorney General’s Office
John Blackburn, Jr. Executive Director, Arizona Criminal Justice Commission
Sgt. Brandon Blanco, Glendale Police Department
Officer Eric Breindl, Phoenix Police Department
Michelle Brooks, GAO, Central Services Bureau Manager
Melissa Cornelius, Arizona Attorney General’s Office
Officer Bob Cummins, Phoenix Police Department
Judy Fitzgerald, National Insurance Crime Bureau
John Garcia, Maricopa County Attorney’s Office
Senator Chuck Gray, Arizona State Senate, District 19
Alberto Gutier, Director, Governor’s Office of Highway Safety
Melissa Harto, Analyst, Governor’s Office of Strategic Planning & Budgeting
Eric Hitchcock, Deputy County Attorney, Pinal County
Don Isaacson, Isaacson & Duffy, P.C.
Wayne Kaplan, AATA Volunteer
Kim Kelly, Gilbert Police Department
Deputy Chief Bill Knight, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office
Mary Jo Kuzmick, Gilbert Police Department
Michael Linton, Pima County Attorney’s Office
Chief Mikel Longman, Arizona Department of Public Safety
Representative David Lujan, Arizona House of Representatives, District 15
Ralph Lumpkin, National Insurance Crime Bureau
Sgt. Tom Macari, Scottsdale Police Department
Michael McGill, Mohave County Attorney’s Office
Kris Okazaki, Analyst, Governor’s Office of Strategic Planning & Budgeting
Vickie Owen, Gilbert Police Department
Bobby Owens, National Insurance Crime Bureau
Christine Pinuelas, Maricopa County
Senator Russell Pearce, Arizona State Senate, District 18
Ellen Poole, USAA Insurance
Susan Preston, Arizona Criminal Justice Commission
Frank Scafidi, National Insurance Crime Bureau
Janet Shill, AZ. DPS/Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force
Lieutenant Jeff Stanhope, Commander, AZ. DPS/Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force
Sgt. Terry Starner, AZ. DPS/Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force
Sgt. Howard Stevenson, Phoenix Police Department
Kimberly Cordes-Sween, Analyst, Joint Legislative Budget Committee
Nancy Temporado, AZ. DPS/Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force
Ron Williams, Arizona Insurance Council
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.
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, Country Mutual, CSAA,
Farmers, Farm Bureau, Geico, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide-Victoria/Titan, Progressive, Safeco, State Farm,
and USAA.
27

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 2009
The Copyright to all content of this report is held by the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority, except as indicated otherwise. All rights are reserved.
The report was prepared and produced entirely by AATA Staff.

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