Denver – Friday, March 3, 2023 – Today, the Denver Police Department (DPD) announced a new program to combat auto thefts – DenverTrack. The DenverTrack program works with any vehicle with an installed tracking device, including factory-installed or after-market devices, and GPS and Bluetooth tracking devices to track stolen vehicles in real time.
The program requires vehicle owners to register for DenverTrack to preauthorize Denver Police access to the GPS location data only in the unfortunate event that their vehicle is stolen. If a registered vehicle is reported stolen, DPD will then confirm consent from the vehicle’s owner to access the vehicle tracking information in real time, with the goal of quickly locating and returning the vehicle to the owner and arresting the suspect(s).
“The Denver Police Department is committed to reducing auto thefts in Denver and recognizes the significant impact this particular crime has had on our residents and visitors,” said Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas. “In 2022, Denver Police officers arrested 1,484 suspects for auto theft, compared to the nearly 14,900 reported stolen vehicles in Denver, which is why having tracking information in real time is vital in retrieving stolen vehicles and holding offenders accountable.”
Vehicle owners can visit www.denvergov.org/DenverTrack to register their vehicle and learn more about the program and additional auto theft prevention tips. Once the vehicle is registered online, DPD will mail DenverTrack stickers to owners to place on their vehicle’s windows to deter potential thieves from stealing their car. Two sticker designs are attached to this press release. Placing a sticker on the registered vehicle is encouraged, but not required. While the program is free to register, a fee from the manufacturer may incur if the GPS system is accessed.
From March 6 to March 10, vehicle owners may visit any DPD district station, between 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., where they will receive assistance in filling out the preauthorization form, thanks to Denver Police volunteers. In addition to receiving guidance with the form, drivers may also obtain a catalytic converter etching kit to deter catalytic converter thefts and license plate theft prevention screws – while supplies last.
DPD wishes to thank the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority for purchasing 10,000 DenverTrack stickers for participants, the Denver Sheriff’s Department for displaying DenverTrack posters in their facilities – alerting arrestees of the program, and RTD for ad space to help raise awareness of the DenverTrack program.
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