The Auto Theft section is part of the Special Investigations division. A detective is assigned full-time to the investigation of auto thefts and related crimes.

TO REPORT AN AUTO THEFT

Vehicle thefts should be reported as soon as possible. However, before the vehicle can be listed as stolen, you must have your vehicle's license plate number and/or the vehicle identification number (sometimes called VIN). The police department may be able to assist you in accessing your license plate number.

By making a report it allows the needed information about your vehicle to be directly entered into the police department's computer system. This enables officers to immediately identify your vehicle as being stolen.

The report may be made by the victim at the police department or an officer can be sent to the victim's location, whichever is more practical.

SOME QUESTIONS ASKED BY POLICE PERSONNEL

1. License plate number and state of registration or name and city on registration (if the plate number is unknown)

2. Description of the vehicle: color, year, make, model, etc.

3. Where was the vehicle parked?

4. Does anyone else have permission to drive the vehicle?


IF YOU RECOVER YOUR VEHICLE

You must not touch or move your vehicle in order to preserve possible evidence. You should call to report the recovery, because if you do not, your car will continue to be listed as stolen and you may be stopped by the police at gun point.