Auto Theft

My vehicle was stolen.  Now what happens?

After you contact KDPS an officer will be dispatched to meet you and take your report.  The officer will investigate the incident, gather any available evidence, and then provide you with a case number.  The officer will also give you additional instructions regarding anything you may need to do and who you need to contact.  Please follow the officer's instructions.  Failure to do so may result in your case being closed without further investigation.

The officer who took your report will ensure that your vehicle information is entered in the Law Enforcement Information Network so other police agencies will know the vehicle is stolen. Your case will then be forwarded to the Criminal Investigations Division for review. If there are suspects, evidence or witnesses your case will be assigned to a detective for further investigation.  If there are no suspects, evidence or witnesses it is likely that your case will be closed inactive.

If you loaned your vehicle to someone who did not return it, a stolen auto case will be written once twenty-four hours has lapsed beyond the reasonable expected time of return.  If you call KDPS prior to this, you will be advised to call back to make a criminal report and the officer shall have the instructions given noted in the dispatch. 

Prevention:

• Lock your car - half of all vehicles stolen are left unlocked.
• Take your keys - nearly 20% of all vehicles stolen have keys in them.
• Park in well-lighted areas - car theft occurs at night more than half the time.
• Park in attended lots - car thieves don't like witnesses.
• Don't leave valuables in plain view - they may invite thieves to break into your car.
• Completely close your windows - don't make it easy to gain access to your car.
• Don't hide a spare set of keys in the car - the pros know where to look.
• Don't keep your registration in your glove compartment. Thieves have just what they need if they steal your car. Keep it in your wallet.
• Park with your wheels turned toward the curb.
• If your vehicle has rear-wheel drive, back into your driveway - rear wheels lock on rear-wheel drive vehicles, making them tough to tow. Front- wheel drive vehicles should be parked front end first.
• Always use your emergency brake when parking.
• If you have a garage, use it; and when you do, lock both the vehicle and the garage door.
• If your vehicle is going to be unattended for a long period of time, disable it; for example, remove the ignition fuse or coil wire.

Any of the following devices can be installed to help protect your car:

• Audible alarms
• Steering column collars
• Steering wheel locks
• Theft deterrent decals
• Tire Locks
• Consider etching your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) onto the glass surfaces of your vehicle. VIN etching makes vehicles less attractive to thieves because all windows must be replaced before the vehicle can be tagged with a fake VIN and resold.
• A vehicle tracking system is a high-tech device designed to be hidden in your automobile. It will emit a signal that the police can monitor if you report a theft. These systems are very effective in helping law enforcement authorities recover stolen vehicles.

Resources:

www.miheat.org

www.kalamazoosilentobserver.org