NCJ Number
82897
Date Published
1980
Length
542 pages
Annotation
Testimony is presented on the proposed Federal Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act (H.R. 4178) by witnesses representing Federal and State law enforcement and prosecution, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the insurance industry, and the auto industry.
Abstract
H.R. 4178 was prompted by the recent alarming increase in auto thefts and a corresponding decrease in the recovery rate, which can be shown to be related to organized crime's heavy involvement in the theft, dismantling, and parts marketing of motor vehicles. This bill would harden criminal penalties for auto theft and related operations, including the 'chop shop' (shops that dismantle stolen vehicles) owners and repairshop owners who constitute the market for stolen car parts. The bill would also enable U.S. marshals and U.S. Customs officials to make a thorough inspection of the documentation of the cars being shipped out of the country to identify any that might be stolen. Perhaps most importantly, the bill would require that a vehicle inspection number be stamped on each major auto part, including such parts replaced on a car in repair or after an accident. This means that parts from a stolen car could be identified after the dismantling. Testimony generally supports the major portions of the bill. Additions and amendments are recommended. The bill is included. For selected individual testimony, see NCJ 82898-900.