A 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.
Category: Auto Theft News
Denver Gazette Highlights Auto Theft Reductions in Colorado
May 19th, 2023
The 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.
Catalytic Converter Theft Related Arrest Made in Illinois
May 11th, 2023
As 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.
Western Auto Theft Team Recognized for Reductions
April 28th, 2023
Read the full story Here
CO Public Radio Shares Info on CatETCH Program
April 13th, 2023
Read the full story Here.
Free Steering Wheel Locks for Hyundai and Kia Vehicles
April 5th, 2023
The 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
Teens arrested after stealing puffing pickup, crashing near elementary school
February 11th, 2020
“Police say that while the victim was grabbing his coffee Tuesday morning, a group of teens jumped into his Toyota and started backing out. The victim saw what was happening and chased his truck. The teens got away, but not before crashing into a light-green Honda CRV — that had also been reported stolen.”
Source: KKTV
Fewer Drivers On Denver Streets As Snow Piles Up
February 7th, 2020
“As the morning rush hour wrapped up on Friday morning, Denver agencies noted an unusually low number of accidents in the metro area. The Denver Police Department tweeted out, in part: “You done good, #Denver – we close out the AM rush hour (delay starts included) with just 25 crash reports.”
Source: CBS
Suspects On Meth Are Hard To Take Down With Tasers, So Many End Up Dead In Colorado
February 5th, 2020
“Things really took a turn for the worse when he decided it would be a good idea to steal a semitrailer truck and make a run across Colorado’s Eastern Plains.”
Source: CPR News
Nearly 50 Puffer Cars Reported Stolen Last Month In Denver
February 5th, 2020
“Police want to remind drivers not to leave their vehicles running unattended in the cold weather. Last month, at least 47 puffer cars were reported stolen in Denver.”
Source: CBS
It’s going to be really cold —Don’t become a victim while ‘puffing’
February 4th, 2020
“DENVER — Bitter cold temperatures often brings a rise in something law enforcement consistently warns against — “puffing.”
Source: 9 News
Assessment of Motor Vehicle Thefts in Colorado 2019
February 3rd, 2020
The Auto Theft Intelligence Coordination Center (ATICC) has prepared the following assessment regarding the occurrence of motor vehicle theft in Colorado, during the period of January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019.
Data used in this report is sourced from the Colorado Stolen Vehicle Database Repository administered by the ATICC. The repository contains records of all stolen and recovered vehicles entered and removed from the Colorado Crime Information Center (CCIC).
February is a popular month for stealing cars that are very easy to steal
February 3rd, 2020
“More cars were stolen in Denver last February than any other month.”
Source: Denverite
Pueblo police find 10 puffers in 1 morning
January 30th, 2020
“11 News reporter Kasia Kerridge embedded with officers this week as they drove around trying to find puffers — before the bad guys did! The ride-along lasted from 6 a.m.-8 a.m.”
Source: KKTV
Edgewater man arrested after allegedly punching officer who was trying to give him ‘puffer’ warning
January 30th, 2020
“A man to whom an Edgewater police officer was going to issue a warning for leaving his vehicle running while it was unattended Thursday morning instead ended up in jail after he allegedly punched the officer in the face.”
Source: Denver 7
262 stolen vehicles per month in Colorado Springs during 2019
January 29th, 2020Car stolen while puffing recovered; Pueblo police need help finding suspect
January 28th, 2020
“The vehicle was stolen from the 100 block of Gamble Lane just before 7:30 Tuesday morning. Police say the owner left their keys in the ignition with the vehicle running — easy pickings for a crook.”
Source: KKTV
‘But I was only gone a second’: As ‘Puffer Enforcement Week’ kicks off, how not to be a statistic
January 26th, 2020
“Puffing is one of the easiest ways to become a statistic. All crooks need are your keys and 30 seconds to make your car their car.”
Source: KKTV
‘Puffer’ enforcement week begins: How not to be a victim
January 26th, 2020
“To raise awareness, the Sheriff’s Office is participating in Colorado Puffer Awareness and Enforcement Week, which begins Sunday and runs through Feb. 1. During Puffer Week, the Sheriff’s Office will be increasing their warnings and citations to those found puffing their cars, with the first offense costing $60.”
Source: KRDO
Puffer Enforcement Across Colorado
January 24th, 2020
“The Colorado Auto Theft Intelligence Coordination Center (ATICC) reports there were more than 20,000 vehicles stolen across the state in 2019.”
Source: CBS