Pennsylvania Auto Thefts Down Since Authority Formed

Over the past 14 years, since the creation of the Auto Theft Prevention Authority, auto thefts in Pennsylvania are down 51 percent, which is more than double that of the national average, the Attorney General's Office announced.

Attorney General Tom Corbett, whose office serves as chairman of the Authority, said that in 1994, the State Legislature established the Auto Theft Prevention Authority and gave it the power and the mandate to establish, coordinate and fund activities in Pennsylvania to prevent, combat and reduce auto theft.

Corbett and PA State Police Commissioner Colonel Jeffrey Miller and Authority Board Members announced that since the Authority's inception, more than $60 million has gone to fund specialized law enforcement, auto theft units, prosecutors, equipment, training and public outreach efforts. These efforts are funded by the industry through annual assessments to over 400 auto insurance companies in Pennsylvania.

In 1994, 52,306 vehicles were stolen in Pennsylvania. Last year that number was down to 25,807, which is a 51 percent drop, since legislation was passed enacting the Authority.

Corbett said that nationally, auto theft has also dropped, but not at the same dramatic rate. From 1994 to 2006, auto theft was down only 23 percent nationally.

Corbett said that from 2006 to 2007 the reduction in auto theft meant an annual savings of over $19.5 million to the people of Pennsylvania. Since 1994, the savings has been more than $96 million.
In addition to the percentage of stolen vehicles being down, the number of recovered stolen vehicles has greatly increased. In 2007 alone, law enforcement recovered stolen vehicles worth $42.2 million and parts estimated at $1.3 million.

The Authority currently funds 12 law enforcement grantees across Pennsylvania, whose stated purpose is to investigate and prosecute auto thefts. They are also responsible for funding two public outreach programs, aimed at reaching the "at-risk" juvenile offenders and aimed at educating the public on how they can protect themselves against this crime.

Corbett said that the Authority has also reached out to the public by initiating a number of unique public awareness efforts. They conducted VINgraving events, driver education programs and formed a strategic partnership with the Philadelphia Eagles to get the message out through sporting and tailgating events.

Corbett noted that tips for protecting yourself against auto theft are available by visiting www.watchyourcar.org.

Regional auto theft statistics are below.

Central PA

• Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Perry and York
• Central PA's theft rate went down 8% from 2006 to 2007
• 2007: 1,821 thefts, about 7% of state-wide thefts
• 2006: 1,973 thefts, about 7% of state-wide theftsArea serviced by ATPA grantees: Pennsylvania State Police Central Auto Theft Task Force, Harrisburg City Police, Lancaster City Police and York County District Attorney's Office

Southeast PA

• Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia
• Southeast PA's theft rate went down 8% from 2006 to 2007
• 2007: 15,845 thefts, about 61% of state-wide thefts
• 2006: 17,196 thefts, about 60% of state-wide thefts
• Area serviced by ATPA grantees: Pennsylvania State Police Central and Eastern Auto Theft Task Forces, Philadelphia City Police and Delaware County District Attorney's Office.

Northeast PA

• Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Schuylkill, Monroe and Northampton
• Northeast PA's theft rate went down 14% from 2006 to 2007
• 2007: 2,000 thefts, about 8% of state-wide thefts
• 2006: 2,331 thefts, about 8% of state-wide thefts
• Area service by ATPA grantees: Lehigh County District Attorney's Office. Northeastern Pennsylvania Task Force and Pennsylvania State Police Central and Eastern Task Forces.

Western PA

• Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Crawford, Erie, Fayette, Mercer, Washington and Westmorland
• Western PA's theft rate went down 18% from 2006 to 2007
• 2007: 4,100 thefts, about 16% of state-wide thefts
• 2006: 4,998 thefts, about 17% of state-wide thefts
• Area service by ATPA grantees: Pittsburgh City Police, Pennsylvania State Police Western Task Force and Erie City Police.