Denver, Colo. (August 22, 2019)
- Coloradans Against Auto Theft (CAAT) returns to the 2019 Colorado State Fair with the
Kilo Car
, reminding Coloradans about the domino effect of auto theft. Part of the statewide summer awareness "Lockdown Your Car" campaign, the head-turning Kilo Car serves to educate the community about the link between auto theft and other serious crimes,
and the importance of prevention in deterring auto thieves.
The
unique Kilo Car display
is based
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The Kilo Car will be on display at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, Colorado, August 23-September 2.
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on a frequently stolen vehicle, rebodied with materials that look to be different types of drugs. The display represents the shocking truth that auto theft is a precursor crime and a significant safety concern for the whole community. "A car inadvertently left unlocked in your driveway, could wind up being using by car thieves to commit additional crimes such as armed robbery, home invasion, identify theft and drug related offenses," says Carole Walker, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association and CAAT chair. "The Kilo Car is a great conversation starter to engage community members on common sense prevention tips."
In southern Colorado, auto theft continued to climb last year - up 42.3 percent over 2017. There is, however, some encouraging news in Pueblo - thanks to the coordinated enforcement and prevention awareness efforts of the Pueblo Police Department, the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority and Coloradans Against Auto Theft, auto theft is down 32 percent for the first half of 2019 (as compared with the same period in 2018.) In Colorado Springs, auto theft was held to a one-percent increase for the same time period.
"While we are seeing some encouraging trends, we also continue to see the crippling effect auto theft can have on a community, especially in rural areas where theft of certain implements, trailers, and equipment can cause disruptions to businesses," adds Walker. "We're reminding residents
that even though they may feel they are safer than those in urban and suburban areas, they should remain vigilant to reduce their risk of auto theft: taking keys with them, locking their car doors, and never leaving vehicles running unattended."
The Kilo Car will be on display in the Palace of Agriculture for the duration of the
Colorado State Fair
in Pueblo, August 23-September 2. CAAT coalition task force members will engage with attendees about the serious issue of auto theft, have conversations about the importance of prevention, and hand out tip cards.
Key Statistics:
- Trucks, trailers, tractors, and expensive equipment related to farming, ranching and construction are high value targets for thieves. Statewide, thefts of trucks are on the rise.
- Six of the top 10 stolen vehicles in 2018 were trucks, up from five in 2017. (ATICC)
- Auto theft continues to climb in Colorado - up 9.4% over 2017, and up 18% over 2016. (ATICC)
- 21,324 vehicles stolen in Colorado in 2018.
- Average of 410 stolen vehicles per week; 58 stolen vehicles per day.
- 97% of car thieves charged with auto theft are also charged with additional crimes.
- 40-50% of vehicle theft is due to driver error. (NHTSA)
- Per capita nationwide, Pueblo ranks fourth for hot spots for 2018, making the top 10 for four years in a row (thefts based on 100,000 population). (NICB)
- Per number of vehicles stolen in statewide, Colorado Springs and Pueblo rank in the top five cities for auto theft in 2018. (ATICC)
- Denver
- Colorado Springs
- Aurora
- Pueblo
- Lakewood
Common Sense Auto Theft Prevention Tips:
Lock your car doors.
- It takes one second to secure your vehicle.
- It's the number one thing you can do to protect your investment.
- Remember to roll up windows all the way.
Take your keys with you.
- Treat your keys like cash. Don't leave them on your dashboard or seat, or even in your center console. Your keys essentially have the same value as your vehicle.
- Establish a "key" routine: Put your keys in your pocket or purse when you exit your vehicle, or designate a place inside your home for keys (kitchen, mud room).
- Don't leave keys in your vehicle, even in a locked garage.
Protect yourself from ID theft and home invasion risk.
- Remove all items with personal info from your car (checkbook, service receipts).
- Take your garage door opener with you when parking in an unsecure place.
- Keep only the portion of your vehicle registration form that does not contain personal information.
Turn off the engine when you're not in your car.
- Auto theft is often a crime of opportunity.
- Don't offer your vehicle for the taking.
Secure your property.
- Park in well-lit areas.
- Make sure your garage or storage area is securely locked.
- Install bright outdoor lights, preferably motion-triggered.
Find out more about auto theft in your area.
- Use our Hot Spot map to see if there have been auto thefts where you live or work.
- See if your car is on the list of top stolen vehicles here.
CAAT, CATI and CMATT are funded by the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA), a statutory grant program that supports law enforcement, prevention and training programs through the collection of $1.00 for every insured vehicle.
CAAT Coalition Partners
Colorado auto theft task forces, made up of regional law enforcement agencies, Colorado State Patrol and other motor vehicle safety and insurance partners, are a part of CAAT's coalition to decrease auto theft during this peak season.
- CATPA Metropolitan Auto Theft Team (CMATT)
- Beat Auto Theft Through Law Enforcement (BATTLE)
- Colorado Attorney General's Auto Theft Prosecution Initiative
- Colorado Auto Theft Investigators (CATI)
- Colorado Auto Theft Intelligence Coordination Center (ATICC)
About Coloradans Against Auto Theft (CAAT):
CAAT is a statewide auto theft prevention initiative to raise awareness about the problem and educate the public on what they can do to reduce their chances of falling victim to auto theft. CAAT is part of a coalition of law enforcement agencies, including the Colorado State Patrol, the Colorado Auto Theft Investigators (CATI), insurance partners, LoJack and AAA Colorado. In 2018, Coloradans Against Auto Theft (CAAT) was honored with the Leadership in the Prevention of Vehicle Crimes Award for successful efforts in combatting auto theft through public awareness and prevention education by the
International Association of Chiefs of Police
(IACP). CAAT and the state auto theft task force efforts are funded in part by the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA).
About Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA):
CATPA is a state authority that was established by Colorado statute in 2003 to help reduce Colorado's serious auto theft problem through the award of grant funds. The Colorado law helps ensure that auto theft prevention efforts are targeted. These efforts have resulted in an increase in stolen vehicle recoveries and criminal prosecutions of major organized criminal groups, as well as related crimes.
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