Arizona Auto Theft Authority

California Remains Worst For Car Theft

The 2010 “Hot Spots” report, which tracks auto theft data throughout the nation, indicates that Arizona continues to show impressive reductions in auto theft last year. The Phoenix MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area), which had the dubious distinction of ranking the #1 “Hot Spot” just ten years ago, has continued to plunge down to 56th place. Tucson, which previously held the #2 spot fell to #22 during the same ten year period; Yuma dropped to #88. “Many factors go into this drastic reduction of auto theft in Arizona,” stated Brian R. Salata, Arizona Automobile Theft Authority Executive Director. “Our law enforcement partners have made incredible strides in the battle against auto theft. The AATA has partnered with local law enforcement in their efforts to isolate the problems that exist in their communities. We’ve seen outstanding efforts by several County Sheriffs to coordinate efforts with local, state, and federal agencies to take on this battle. “A large part of the credit also goes to our multi-jurisdictional Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force. Our state Task Force, funded by the AATA, has been one, if not the most recognized law enforcement units in the United States in combating auto theft. The AATA also recognizes the efforts of our grant funded Deputy County Attorneys in Maricopa, Pinal, Pima, Santa Cruz and Cochise counties. These auto theft prosecutors work diligently with the Task Force and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that the guilty are brought to justice.” Director Salata further commented that, “Auto theft in our state remains tied to violent criminal activity that impacts the quality of life in Arizona. Our auto theft problem is directly connected to the smuggling and trafficking issues that have plagued our state. Many, if not most of the auto theft rings that operate in Arizona are simply the transportation component of these violent Mexican drug cartels. It would be naïve to think that auto theft is just a property crime.” “This is great news for the citizens of Arizona and our statewide law enforcement partners,” stated Mr. Salata. “The Arizona Legislature had the foresight to create an Auto Theft Authority to support and coordinate the statewide efforts of law enforcement, prosecution and prevention in the fight against auto theft.

International Association of Auto Theft Investigators, 1952-2002

Intelligence and Security Informatics, Pacific Asia Workshop, PAISI 2010, Hyderabad, India, June 21, 2010 Proceedings

How to help lock out auto theft

Arizona revised statutes, annotated

Session laws