Auto thefts have steadily declined in Michigan over the past 30 years – including a nearly seven percent drop from 2010 to 2011, the most recent reporting period.
And state officials are giving much of the credit to the Michigan Automobile Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA), which was formed in 1986.
ATPA was created in 1986, at a time when Michigan had the highest stolen car rate in the country. The program was funded by an annual $1 assessment on each insured noncommercial passenger vehicle in the state. The money goes to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors’ offices, and nonprofit community organizations.
The goal: to prevent auto thefts, catch car thieves, and prosecute them aggressively.
The effort has paid off. Since 1986, the car theft rate in Michigan has decreased by 65 percent. During that same time, the national rate went down only 40 percent.
“Our success in the battle against auto theft is the direct result of the dedication and efforts of the 110 men and women who are funded by grants awarded by the ATPA to Michigan law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorney’s offices and nonprofit community organizations,” said Dan Vartanian, Executive Director of the ATPA in a news release. “Thanks also should be directed to our partners in the fight against auto theft: Crime Stoppers, HEAT (Help Eliminate Auto Thefts) and the many insurance industry investigators throughout the state.”
Following are the top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles in Michigan:
- 2000 Dodge Caravan
- 2004 Chevrolet Impala
- 1997 Chevrolet Pickup
- 1997 Ford Taurus
- 2002 Dodge Intrepid
- 2005 Ford Pickup
- 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
- 2011 Chevrolet Malibu
- 2002 Dodge Stratus
- 2003 Dodge Pickup.
Auto theft is a serious crime in Michigan. Conviction can mean long jail sentences and heavy fines.
Criminal offenses that fall under the larger umbrella of “auto theft” include unlawfully driving away an automobile; aiding in taking or driving away an automobile; using a motor vehicle without authorization; and buying, receiving or concealing a stolen motor vehicle.
Sources:
- ATPA website http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,4643,7-123-1589_57983-250994–,00.html
- ATPA news release http://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,4643,7-123-1586-295181–,00.html