NCJ Number
111540
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 36 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1988) Pages: 51-53
Date Published
1988
Length
3 pages
Annotation
In Tulsa, Okla., auto theft increased 29 percent between 1985 and 1986, and 6,668 vehicles were stolen in 1986 alone.
Abstract
In response to this epidemic, the Tulsa Police Department took special steps to identify and attack professional chop shop and renumbering operations. In addition, the Crime Prevention Unit kicked off a public awareness and information campaign and stronger anti-auto theft laws were passed. An identification program, Car Brand It, also was implemented to provide auto theft protection at minimal cost. The program involves the use of a noncorrosive jell to etch the vehicle identification number on the vehicle's windows, sunroofs, and t-tops. The Private Industry Training Council subsidized labor costs for 34 unemployed young people involved in the program and local insurance agencies provided funds to lease the necessary equipment. New car dealers also contracted to have their vehicles marked. Between June and August 1987, 7,000 cars were marked at a cost of $10 per vehicle. In the program's first month, auto thefts dropped 27 percent, and declines have continued, with an overall reduction of 15 percent expected for 1987.