The NATB has been active since 1912. In the past the organization has encouraged such techniques as having car manufacturers stamp secret numbers on major components of their cars and developed educational programs for the police, insurance professionals, and the public. One program, the Lock Your Car project of the 1960's, has been effective in decreasing the number of car thefts perpetrated by teenagers. At present, the major challenge is posed by professional thieves who steal cars for their expensive spare parts. Frames, engines, and other components of stolen cars are destroyed in hydraulic crushers to prevent their VIN numbers from leading the police to the thieves. In response, the NATB has waged a successful campaign for strong antivehicle theft legislation, and as a result, auto theft was significantly reduced in many States. For example, in New York State auto theft was reduced by 7 percent in 1979 as compared with a 14.88 percent increase in 1976, prior to the legislation. Other proposed legislation includes more effective identification and security systems for cars and tougher controls of illegal exports. Another important contribution of the NATB is the establishment of the North American Theft Information System (NATIS), which is used extensively by the police. The system has records of more than 1 1/2 million vehicles. The telephone services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is probably the most complete file of stolen vehicles in the world. Statistical data and photographs are included.
National Auto Theft Bureau
NCJ Number
75909
Journal
Trooper Dated: (February 1981) Pages: 63-67
Date Published
1981
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes efforts of the National Auto Theft Bureau (NATB) to fight theft of cars and auto parts, to establish a computer data bank, to develop training programs for the police and the public, and to initiate legislation.
Abstract