Arizona Automobile Theft Authority [newsletter]

              Arizona Automobile Theft Authority
www.azwatchyourcar.com
Jane Dee Hull Governor Mikel Longman Director

The AATA Board of Directors Chairman Mr. Michael Payne Vice Chairman Sheriff Ralph E. Ogden Mr. Dean C. Butler The Honorable William J. Ekstrom Director Dennis Garrett Director Alberto Gutier Chief Harold L. Hur tt Ms. Ellen Poole The Honorable Richard M. Romley Chief Daniel G. Sharp Director Stacy K. Stanton

2002 AATA Board of Directors Meeting Schedule
February 8, 2002 1. Appointment of Board Subcommittee Assignments April 12, 2002 1. Ver tical Prosecution Grant Program 2. Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force Grant June 14, 2002 1. Law Enforcement Grant Program 2. Agency Budget   DRAFT August 9, 2002 1. Public Awareness Grant Program 2. Agency Budget   FINAL October 11, 2002 1. Audit Report December 13, 2002 1. Election of Board Officers 2. Legislative Issues All meetings begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority. Above dates and agenda items are subject to change up to 24 hours in advance of the meeting. All meetings are posted in compliance with A.R.S.  38-431.02.

Arizona Automobile Theft Authority 3737 North 7th Street, Ste. 150 Phoenix, Arizona 85014-5079 TEL (602) 604-9034 FAX (602) 255-4802 1888-668-4433

September/October 2001

AATA Announces 2001/2002

Public Awareness Grant Recipients
A r i z o n a Automobile T h e f t Authority
An Equal Employment Opportunity Agency

Arizona Automobile Theft Authority 3737 N. 7th St., Ste. 150 Phoenix, Arizona 85014-5079

The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) issued nearly $240,000 in grant funding and steering wheel lock devices to ten (10) law enforcement agencies throughout Arizona to conduct vehicle theft prevention programs in their communities. The AATA finalized its 2001/2002 Public Awareness Grant awards with funding going out to law enforcement agencies. AATA grant awards are intended to educate the community on ways to protect their vehicles from being stolen, while also promoting the Authority's free, "Watch Your Car" program. Various participating grant agencies will also receive steering wheel locks to be distributed for free to their community participants. The police agencies receiving funding this year include Phoenix Police Depar tment, Tempe Police Department, Gilber t Police Department, Chandler Police Department, Paradise Valley Police Depar tment, Casa Grande Police Depar tment, Tucson Police Department, Yuma Police Department, Flagstaff Police

Depar tment, and the Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force. The ten participating grant agencies will be educating the community on methods of vehicle theft prevention which include the "layered approach" to protection as well as the following:   Lock it or lose it - Always lock your vehicles and take the keys with you.   Never leave your vehicle running and unattended.   Never leave children alone in or around vehicles.   Use of auto theft deterrents such as steering wheel lock and ignition column devices, vehicle identification number (VIN) etching on windows, tracking systems, and electronic car alarms will discourage thieves and/or increase their chances of being caught. For additional information about the Watch Your Car Program or protecting yourself from vehicle theft, contact the AATA at 1-888-668-4433 or visit our web site at www.azwatchyourcar.com

Arizona Automobile Theft Authority Announces New Executive Director, Mr. Mikel Longman
The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority's Board of Directors named Mr. Mikel Longman as the Interim Executive Director effective August 20, 2001. Mr. Longman has been the Commander of the Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force administered through the Department of Public Safety (DPS) since its inception January 1, 1997. Mr. Longman has demonstrated great leadership in his role as the Commander of the Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force and brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge in many areas particularly as they relate to vehicle theft and law enforcement and investigation. Mr. Longman began his law enforcement career with DPS in January 1976.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
  Dedication to Mr. Paul Mor tensen   Meet the AATA Board of Directors - Spotlight on Sheriff Ralph E. Ogden   October is National Crime Prevention Month   Top Stolen Vehicle for Fourth Straight Year and Preliminary Crime Figures for 2000

To those facing the difficult days that follow tragedy... we embrace you. To those whose courageous rescue efforts have kept hope alive... we salute you. To a nation united in purpose... we shout, "let freedom ring."

1-888-NO-THIEF
Arizona Automobile Theft Authority
TM

1-888-668-4433
Arizona Automobile Theft Authority

Thank you to Meet the Mr. Paul Mortensen for his Arizona distinguished service to the AATA Automobile Theft
The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority's Board of Directors wishes to express its sincere appreciation to Mr. Paul Mortensen for his outstanding service as Executive Director from January 1997 to August 2001. Mr. Mor tensen retired from the AATA on August 17, 2001 after over four years as Executive Director. During his tenure, Paul Mor tensen was instrumental in developing several programs and initiatives aimed at reducing vehicle theft in Arizona. In addition, Mr. Mor tensen was actively involved in addressing auto theft issues exclusive to Arizona's close proximity to the Mexico border as well as increasing communication between law enforcement agencies in Arizona and Mexico. Thank you, Paul Mortensen for your efforts spent on behalf of the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority - we wish you luck in all your future endeavors.

Authority Board of Directors

Toyota Camry is the most stolen vehicle in U.S. for fourth straight year
Automobile thieves continue to make the Toyota Camry their favorite target! Four Toyota Camry models were the top four stolen cars in 2000, according to CCC Information Services, an insurance and research database. The 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1988 models ranked first, second, third, and fourth, respectively, in CCC's annual survey, which was released in March 2001. Following the report's fouryear trend, imported automobiles were the most popular among car thieves, as 80 percent of the nation's 25 most stolen vehicles were imports - specifically Hondas, Toyotas, and Acuras. The most frequently stolen domestic vehicle in the United States in 2000 was the 1994 Chevrolet C1500 4x2 pickup truck, reflecting the continued growth in the popularity of trucks over the past decade. As preliminary crime figures indicate, the 2000 FBI's Uniform Crime Report (UCR) reflects the Crime Index trends were relatively unchanged from 1999 figures. In addition, motor vehicle theft increased 2.7 percent nationally. Whether you own one of the top targeted vehicles or not, the AATA reminds you to always lock your car doors and utilize a "layered approach" to protection simply stated, the more layers of protection you place on your vehicle, the more difficult it is to steal. Visit the AATA's web site at www.azwatchyourcar.com for additional prevention tips on protecting your vehicle. Note: The final crime figures for 2000 will be available later this fall in the Crime in the United States Report.

The AATA reminds you to NEVER leave your children alone in or around vehicles because...
  The temperature inside a car can reach deadly levels in minutes   Children can set the vehicle in motion   Your child can be abducted   Drivers have difficulty seeing small children when they back up
Every year millions of children are left alone in or around vehicles - a danger many people greatly underestimate. The related risks include abduction and carjacking risks, heat stroke, trunk entrapment, and even fatal car crashes. Never leave children alone in a vehicle - even if it's just to run a quick errand. Within mere seconds, a child's life can be endangered. For additional information about the dangers of leaving children in or around vehicles, contact Kids `N Cars, a non-profit organization whose mission is to pursue a greater level of public safety with regard to children being left unattended in vehicles. The organization may be contacted by phone at (415) 789-1000 or by visiting their web site at www.kidsncars.org.

Board Chairman Michael Payne presents plaque of appreciation to Mr. Paul Mortensen.

Sheriff Ralph E. Ogden, Vice Chairman

October is National Crime Prevention Month -- Help Us Lock Out Auto Theft!
The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority in partnership with the Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force will be participating in several crime prevention events and fairs around our community during the month of October. Some of the scheduled (to date) crime prevention events include: 1. October 20, 2001 at Arizona Mills Mall - "Shopping for Crime Prevention" event 10 am - 2 pm. 2. October 20, 2001 - Public Safety Day at the Arizona State Fair from 10 am - 10 pm. 3. October 21, 2001 - Public Safety Day at the Arizona State Fair from 10 am - 6 pm. 4. October 20, 2001 - Maryvale 2001 G.A.I.N Event from 1 pm 4 pm at Isaac Middle School 3402 W. McDowell Road. 5. October 27, 2001 - City of Phoenix Police Department and Allstate Insurance Safety Fair at Metrocenter Mall from 10 am 2 pm. Auto theft prevention and free VIN etching. Please visit the AATA's web site at www.azwatchyourcar.com for a current listing of community events.

Sheriff Ogden of the Yuma County Sheriff 's Office began his career in law enforcement more than 30 years ago and is currently in his second term of office. Sheriff Ogden joined the Yuma County Sheriff's Office as Chief Deputy in 1980 and was elected 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. Sheriff Ogden has been a member of the AATA Board of Directors since 1997 and is currently Vice Chairman. Sheriff Ogden is currently serving as Chairman of the AATA Border Interdiction Program Subcommittee. Thank you, Sheriff Ogden for your support and dedication to the AATA as we work together to combat vehicle theft in Arizona.

AATA launches distribution of Watch Your Car displays and information at Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) Offices statewide
Ar izona residents may now obtain Watch Your Car Program information at all Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) Office locations statewide. Look for the Watch Your Car display holders with enclosed brochures when visiting any MVD Office in Arizona. The Authority is enthused about the oppor tunity to provide information to the community as they visit the MVD office locations for their vehicle related business matters. Information about the program can also be obtained by visiting our web site at www.azwatchyourcar.com or by calling 1-888-668-4433.