Read more about the activities of the CATPA Board, Office, and Grantees in the calendar year, 2022 Annual Report CATPA
Author: Cale Gould
Catalytic Converter Theft: Overview from NY Times
November 15th, 2023A definitive overview of the catalytic converter theft problem, and the lifespan of the metals and how the raw materials are processed. Read more.
Catalytic Converter Thefts Down in TN: A Sign of Changing Trends?
October 4th, 2023Reports from Tennessee indicate that through the analysis of National Insurance Crime Bureau data, catalytic converter theft insurance claims are trending downward. At least in Tennessee, and maybe in Colorado as well. While the data in this study only represents insurance claims made against these thefts, the downward trend is encouraging. The important thing to not here is that this data represents only claims made on policies for catalytic converter thefts, thus missing out on the largest share of the total catalytic converter thefts from vehicles that did not have total comprehensive coverage or claims that excluded catalytic converter theft repairs. Look into the “BeenVerified” map to view Colorado’s insurance claims against catalytic converter thefts. Full article on Tennessee trends Here.
Denver Man Shot Trying to Recover Stolen Vehicle
October 3rd, 2023A Denver man was injured via a gun shot wound while trying to recover his stolen vehicle. This highlights the dangers of confronting someone in a stolen vehicle. Always contact law enforcement if you see a stolen vehicle. Full story here.
Colorado Cracks Down on Fake Temporary Registration
August 8th, 2023A popular “Prop document” retailer in Denver has been court ordered to stop production of their documents, and has had their assets frozen. Full story here at CBS tells the story of investigative efforts by the Colorado Department of Law.
Minnesota Catalytic Converter Law Goes Into Affect
August 3rd, 2023As more and more States create specific laws to how to handle the recycling of catalytic converters, see what Minnesota is doing Here.
Woman Shot Attempting to Recover Her Stolen Vehicle
July 11th, 2023A woman was shot after she discovered her 2020 Silver Kia Optima had been stolen and used an air tag to track it down Sunday night, according to the Aurora Police Department. Read the full story Here A stark reminder to never approach a stolen car without the assistance of local law enforcement.
Motor Vehicle Theft Nexus to Record Drug Bust
July 6th, 2023Motor Vehicle Theft (MVT) has a role to play in nearly every crime. Drug trafficking is no exception. The West Metro Drug Task Force recorded one of their biggest busts ever, and those indicted also face charges of MVT. Read the full story Here.
Colorado Auto Theft Laws are Changing – CSP is Ready, are You?
June 27th, 2023
|
|
Attempted Catalytic Converter Theft Turns Violent
May 23rd, 2023A man in Connecticut was assaulted when accidentally discovering two men likely intending to steal his catalytic converter. The victim was hit with a handgun before the assailants took his wallet and left. A stark reminder to never confront a catalytic converter thief. Full story Here.
Denver Gazette Highlights Auto Theft Reductions in Colorado
May 19th, 2023The Denver Gazette follows up on the Q1 stats release from the Colorado State Patrol and the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority, an in depth interview and detailed look at the changing landscape of auto theft in Colorado. Read the full story Here.
CATPA Releases Q1 2023 Theft Stats
May 19th, 2023May 18, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT
Colorado State Patrol Public Affairs Office
CSP_PublicAffairs@state.co.us
303-239-4583
2023 Auto Theft Trending Down – But It’s Still Not Time to Relax
(COLORADO) – A sliver of blue sky seems to be appearing, in what has been a growing storm of negative auto theft news in Colorado. The first quarter of 2023 shows a significant decline, a whopping 22% decline in auto theft versus 2022. The Q1 numbers of auto theft occurrences resemble numbers from 2020. While Coloradans, the Insurance Industry and law enforcement are happy with the improvements, the Colorado State Patrol business unit CATPA (Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority) wants to remind everyone that this decline does not mean it is a good time to become relaxed about vehicle security, now or ever!
“The noticeable decline of auto theft is a testament to the resiliency of our citizens and the collaborative effort of many law enforcement and key partners across the State,” stated Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “However, now is no time to rest and relax your vehicle securities. CATPA and the Colorado State Patrol ask you to continue to stay in this fight to reduce auto theft and overall crime in your communities.”
Auto theft is a catalyst crime that often sets off a chain reaction of other crimes. These often include burglaries, smash and grab robberies, reckless driving, eluding, drug crimes, weapons offenses and many times crimes against persons that endanger all of Colorado.
CATPA and the Colorado State Patrol advise all citizens of the best way to combat vehicle theft through a dynamic approach to vehicle security beginning with the basics. Lock your car and take your keys – every time. This is simple, but vehicle owners and operators should practice this most basic vehicle security habitually. CATPA recommends establishing a “Lock and Key” routine that has all vehicle operators remove spare keys from the vehicle, including valet keys, then anytime the vehicle is not in use (including during quick trips inside convenience stores), to shut the vehicle off, take the keys out of the ignition and out of the car, then lock the car.
CATPA also advises additional security measures for owners of any vehicle on the Top Ten Most Stolen Car list, any vehicle in an Auto Theft Hot Spot, and any vehicle more than five years old. These additional security measures should consist of any combination of basic “Lock and Key” routine and: environmental changes (Parking the vulnerable vehicle in a garage or secured parking lot if possible), physical security hardening products like Steering Wheel Locks and Parking Boots, theft deterrent and immobilizing systems like kill switches, alarm systems and security systems that adhere to vehicle immobilizing standards (like the Canadian UL 338 standard). For vulnerable vehicles, CATPA has a limited supply of steering wheel locks for those unable to purchase one or for citizens already victimized by theft. Other resources like security software updates for Hyundai and Kia vehicles are another great step to take.
Colorado, continue your efforts to reduce your risk of becoming an auto theft victim and perform a self-risk assessment using tools available at lockdownyourcar.org. A combination of public awareness and mindfulness is an essential partnership for reducing auto theft – and all crime, in Colorado.
Catalytic Converter Theft Related Arrest Made in Illinois
May 11th, 2023As a signal to catalytic converter thieves across the nation, arrests and investigations continue to make national news. The latest of which is 600+ catalytic converters found on a Cook County property result in an arrest for violation of metal recycling records law, metal recycling law, and possession of a stolen vehicle. Read the full article Here.
Nationwide Catalytic Converter Theft Ring Indicted
May 4th, 2023An insight into the illicit trade of stolen catalytic converters, learn more about what happens in the life cycle of a stolen catalytic converter. Full Story Here
Western Auto Theft Team Recognized for Reductions
April 28th, 2023Read the full story Here
AAA and Hyundai Announce Insurance Options
April 19th, 2023Read the full story Here.
CO Public Radio Shares Info on CatETCH Program
April 13th, 2023Read the full story Here.
Stolen Colorado Car Causes Havoc in Wyo
April 6th, 2023A pair of Colorado thieves used a stolen car to go on a crime spree in Wyoming. Help us stop secondary crimes, Lock Your Car and Take Your Keys. Every Time. And for vehicles that are over five years old, on the top ten most targeted vehicle list, or if you live in a auto theft hot spot be sure to consider additional vehicle security measures like steering wheel locks and aftermarket security/immobilizer systems. Contact us to learn more!
Full story Here.
Free Steering Wheel Locks for Hyundai and Kia Vehicles
April 5th, 2023The Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority is pleased to announce that we are a participating organization within the Hyundai and Kia efforts to dispel targeted thefts against their vehicles. Contact us via cdps_CATPA@state.co.us to learn more about how you may qualify for this program