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Anti-Auto-Theft Campaign Proves Effective

2 December 1999

Anti-Auto-Theft Campaign Proves Effective; Pennsylvania Auto Theft Prevention Authority Annual Report Outlines Successes

    HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 1 -- Since 1995, the number of vehicle
thefts in Pennsylvania has steadily declined.  Not coincidentally, that was
the year the Pennsylvania Auto Theft Prevention Authority -- an organization
created by the state legislature to wage war against auto thieves -- went into
operation.
    During that four-year period, anti-car-theft squads recovered stolen
vehicles and parts worth more than three times the amount of money the
Authority distributed in the form of grants.  Currently, 13 investigative
units around the state use these grant funds, none of which comes from tax
dollars.
    These facts are contained in the Authority's 1998-99 annual report,
released at a news conference in the state Capitol by Julia K. Hearthway,
chair of the Authority's board of directors.  Standing with state Attorney
General Mike Fisher and fellow board member David E. Cole, Hearthway said the
organization is working hard to create "an environment in Pennsylvania that is
hostile to auto theft."
    The Pennsylvania State Police Uniform Crime Report, released in September,
said reported vehicle thefts in 1998 were down 22 percent from four years
earlier -- to the lowest level since 1985.  This positive trend in the state's
crime statistics is even more impressive in light of these statistics,
compiled by the Authority from its grant recipients and contained in its
1998-99 Annual Report:

     --  $63.9 million worth of stolen vehicles and vehicle parts were
          recovered by local investigative/prosecution units from 1996 through
          June of this year.  The Authority has distributed some $19.7 million
          in grant funds to local auto theft units since its inception.
     --  Nearly $1.4 million in restitution and fines were paid during that
          same time period by convicted vehicle thieves caught through
          grantees' investigations.
     --  390 vehicle theft convictions were reported by 13 investigative units
          in 1998, with 301 convictions reported in just the first six months
          of 1999.

    Fisher attributed the Authority's successes to close cooperation between
state government, local law enforcement agencies and the auto insurance
industry.  He also credited vehicle owners with becoming more aware, more
cautious and more protective.
    Act 171 of 1994, which created it, empowers the Authority to collect
annual assessments from all auto insurance companies doing business in the
state.  These assessed funds -- totaling some $4.2 million in fiscal year
1998-99 -- provide additional personnel and equipment to police and
prosecutors.
    David E. Cole, the Authority's treasurer and a senior official at
Nationwide Insurance Company in Harrisburg, said auto insurers in the state
are pleased to be playing a role.  "The insurance industry sees a
well-organized effort to reduce the number of vehicle thefts as crucial to
controlling costs.  We see the Authority's funding of special units throughout
the state as a good investment, particularly when we hear that these units
have been successful in recovering vehicles and parts worth more than three
times the grants distributed."
    "Resources are important to our local anti-theft units, but so are tough,
supportive anti-crime laws," Fisher said.  "Prosecutors were given a powerful
new tool early in 1999 when Act 110 was passed, making the operation of a
`chop shop' a felony offense in Pennsylvania.  The owners of these illegal
car-dismantling operations are nothing more than criminal harvesters of stolen
car-parts.  The Authority will be collecting data to help assess the impact of
this new legislation," he said.
    In addition to funding investigative and law enforcement activities, the
Authority supports public information efforts.  One of its most successful
publications is a brochure outlining, "50 Ways to Help Stop Auto Theft."  It
is a compilation of theft prevention tips that formed the basis of a statewide
television advertising campaign in October and early November.
    "Pennsylvanians are becoming more aware that there is a serious effort
underway to push auto theft out of their communities.  Auto theft is an
emotionally devastating crime, and it is an expensive one," Hearthway said.
"Our message to vehicle owners is simple:  You can -- and you should -- do
something to protect your car.  To auto thieves we say:  These are our
communities, and you are not welcome here."
    The 13 investigative units funded by the Authority are:

    -- Allegheny County District Attorney's Office
    -- Cumberland County District Attorney's Office
    -- Delaware County District Attorney's Office
    -- Erie Bureau of Police
    -- Harrisburg Bureau of Police
    -- Lehigh County District Attorney's Office
    -- Millcreek Township Police
    -- Northeast Pennsylvania Task Force
    -- Pennsylvania State Police (Eastern and Western Regional Task Forces)
    -- Philadelphia District Attorney's Office
    -- Philadelphia Police Major Crimes Auto Theft Unit
    -- Pittsburgh Police Department Auto Squad
    -- York County District Attorney's Office

    Public outreach programs funded by the Authority are:
    -- Boy Scouts of America, Cradle of Liberty Council
    -- Pennsylvania Anti-Car Theft Committee

    NOTE:  For a copy of the Authority's brochure, "50 Ways to Help Stop Auto
Theft," Pennsylvanians can call toll free: 1-888-777-ATPA (2872).