LANSING, MICH. The Michigan Automobile Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA) cautions the public that a rise in car thefts in Michigan this year should serve as a warning to residents who often leave their cars running or unlocked with the keys inside.
In 2016 Michigan reported 18,795 stolen vehicles. 2017 is on track to potentially surpass those numbers. The ATPA is urging the public to report suspicious persons and vehicles when observed. Numerous car dealerships have also become targets for thieves who look to exploit weak security systems often stealing multiple sets of wheels and tires that are in turn sold to unsuspecting victims. A vehicle is stolen every 44 seconds in the United States, and surprisingly …show more content…
Report suspicious and out-of-place persons to law enforcement.
• Vehicle sale scams - If you are purchasing or selling a vehicle on Craigslist, make the transaction at a Secretary of State’s office during business hours or at a police department. Don’t invite strangers to your home or meet them in non-public places.
• Fraudulent vehicle titles - If a deal is too good to be true, it probably is. Inspect the vehicle title closely before purchase and if anything looks odd, postpone the sale until you can confirm the legitimacy of the title.
Over the last 10 years, Michigan’s Automobile Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA) has assisted in the reduction of motor vehicle thefts in Michigan by 56 percent. The ATPA awards grants to law enforcement agencies, prosecutors’ offices and non-profit organizations for the investigation, apprehension, prosecution and prevention of motor vehicle thefts. During the 2016 grant year, ATPA grant-funded motor vehicle theft teams made 1,819 arrests and recovered vehicles and parts worth approximately $37 million.
For more information about the ATPA, visit www.michigan.gov/atpa.