Auto Theft Interdiction Project

In 1998, the Austin Police Department's Auto Theft Section received a grant from the Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA). This grant was established by the Texas 72nd Legislature in June 1991 as part of a statewide effort to reduce vehicle theft. The ATPA program is an innovative approach toward preventing and reducing auto theft related offenses by directing resources at the root causes of auto theft while building a community prevention model. In an effort to advance the goals of the ATPA program, APD created the Auto Theft Interdiction Project (ATIP). State-of-the-art crime analysis, crime prevention techniques and educational strategies provide APD with a proactive auto theft program. The result is a program in which procedures have been streamlined to effectively locate, arrest, investigate and file charges against auto thieves and organized elements in auto theft crime.

In 2007, the 80th Texas Legislature passed HB 1887. Beginning September 1, 2007, the ATPA’s mission expanded to include auto burglary and theft prevention, as well as to provide programs to educate automobile owners on how to prevent auto burglary and theft. Additionally, the bill renamed the ATPA to the Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority (ABTPA).

Download a PDF version of our Auto Theft Prevention pamphlet here.
View newspaper ads in English and Spanish here. (PDF)
View our Look, Take, Hide ad here. (PDF)

• Auto Theft Prevention Tips
• Help End Auto Theft H.E.A.T.
• Vehicle Identification Numbers
• 50 Ways To Watch Your Car

Auto Theft Tip Line

As part of its continuing effort to reduce auto thefts, the Austin Police Department Auto Theft Interdiction Project has established a 24-hour hotline for residents to use to report suspicious activity. The number may be used to report auto thefts, suspicious buying or selling of auto parts, the location of "chop shops," or other information related to stolen vehicles, boats, construction equipment, farm equipment and trailers. All information received will be handled in confidence and callers may remain anonymous.

The hotline number is 974-5096. Information received pertaining to activity outside the Department's jurisdiction will be forwarded to the appropriate agencies.

Victims of auto theft should still call 9-1-1 to report the crime; the new hotline is to report suspicious activity only.

Top Ten Stolen Vehicles in 2008:

1. Honda Accord
2. Chevy/GMC Pick-up
3. Ford Pick-up
4. Chevy/GMC Suv
5. Honda Civic
6. Dodge Pick-up
7. Ford Suv
8. Toyota Camry
9. Acura Integra
10. Jeep Suv

APD's Bait Vehicle

The Austin Police Department's Auto Theft Interdiction Program (ATIP) uses bait vehicles to apprehend car thieves. The bait vehicles are parked in strategic spots throughout the city based on information collected by crime analysis. ATIP has used grant money to equip the vehicles with tracking equipment so that when stolen, the vehicles can be quickly located and the offenders arrested. The vehicles are chosen to present a tempting target for local auto thieves.

Since the beginning of the bait vehicle program in March 1997, the Austin Police Department has made 212 arrests.

Salvage Yard Inspection Program

In 1995, the 74th Texas Legislature passed laws requiring salvage yards dealing in salvage vehicles and used parts to obtain licenses from the Texas Department of Transportation. ATIP inspects these businesses to ensure compliance with laws and regulations regarding the resale and demolition of salvaged vehicles. Additionally, vehicle crushing operations, repair shops and dealers are monitored to identify and investigate those businesses and individuals involved in fraudulent or illegal activities.

Public Awareness

The Austin Police Department Auto Theft Interdiction Project provides a Neighborhood Liaison to increase public awareness about auto and burglary of vehicle theft. The Neighborhood Liaison is available to attend health fairs, festivals, neighborhood association meetings and other community gatherings to make presentations on auto and burglary of vehicle theft prevention. Additionally, the Neighborhood Liaison will set up exhibition booths and make presentations at local schools or to individual classes.

In 2006, the Automobile Theft Prevention Authority began laying the groundwork for a public awareness initiative to educate Texans about the growing problem of car theft. “YOU HOLD THE KEY” underscores the message that drivers can help cut car theft in half by taking their keys with them when leaving their vehicles. For more information on Auto and Burglary of Vehicle Theft Awareness, contact the ATIP Neighborhood Liaison at (512) 974-5713.