COLORADO AUTO THEFT ANNUAL REPORT

FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

COLORADO AUTO THEFT ANNUAL REPORT | 2023

Department of Public Safety | Colorado State Patrol

AUTO THEFT INTELLIGENCE COORDINATION CENTER

Analyst: CSP001 | Command 09 3/22/24 cdps_aticc@state.co.us

The ATICC is funded by:

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About the Auto Theft Intelligence Coordination Center (ATICC) ............................................................... 2

About the Stolen Vehicle Database Repository (SVDR) ............................................................................ 2

About this Report .............................................................................................................................................. 2

Disclaimer .......................................................................................................................................................... 2

Findings .............................................................................................................................................................. 3

Motor Vehicle Theft and Associated Crimes ................................................................................................ 6

Motor Vehicle Theft and Criminal Violence ................................................................................................... 8

Auto Theft Criminal Enterprise Organizations .............................................................................................. 8

Identified High-Density Theft Areas ............................................................................................................... 9

Legislative Efforts ........................................................................................................................................... 11

Analytical Modeling ......................................................................................................................................... 16

Motor Vehicle Theft by Volume, Year, and Rate ....................................................................................... 16

Motor Vehicle Recovery Rate by Year ........................................................................................................ 17

Vehicle Theft by Per Capita SVDR vs. NIBRS ........................................................................................... 17

Statewide Vehicle Style Thefts ..................................................................................................................... 18

The Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicle(s) in 2023 ............................................................................................... 19

Motor Vehicle Thefts by CATPA Regional Areas ...................................................................................... 20

2023 Recovery Comparison .......................................................................................................................... 26

Outlook ............................................................................................................................................................. 27

Recommendations .......................................................................................................................................... 28

Glossary of Terms .......................................................................................................................................... 29

Endnotes .......................................................................................................................................................... 30

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About the Auto Theft Intelligence Coordination Center (ATICC)

The Auto Theft Intelligence Coordination Center (ATICC) was started in 2011 and is

a vital initiative funded by the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA). The

ATICC is a crime and intelligence analytical unit of the Colorado State Patrol (CSP),

staffed with full-time auto theft analysts. The principal purpose of the ATICC is to

provide timely data and analytical support about Colorado auto theft, with the primary

intention of supporting the Colorado auto theft law enforcement community. As a hub

for information and intelligence, ATICC delivers analytical insights into auto theft

occurrences and associated crimes.

About the Stolen Vehicle Database Repository (SVDR)

The ATICC utilizes a unique, reliable, and timely database containing all reported

stolen and recovered vehicles entered into the Colorado Crime Information Center

(CCIC) by law enforcement. The data from CCIC is then cleaned with built-in logic,

identifying, and removing duplicate vehicle thefts with the same theft date and re-entry

of purged vehicles entered with a current date and not the original date of theft. This

database, known as the Stolen Vehicle Database Repository (SVDR) provides an

ability for the ATICC to compile information on reported stolen vehicles in Colorado.

Using the SVDR, the ATICC delivers analytical insights into auto theft occurrences

and associated crimes.

About this Report

The ATICC offers this report as a study of reported stolen vehicles occurring in

Colorado, evaluates the statistical data, either statewide or within designated regional

areas, and highlights significant initiatives funded by CATPA. This report

encompasses a 5-year comparative analysis of statewide motor vehicle theft.

Disclaimer

In addition to other considerations outlined in this report, it is important to recognize

that the information provided herein may offer insights or assumptions regarding

actual experiences of statewide motor vehicle theft. The primary statistical data

utilized in this report, sourced from the SVDR, is inherently dynamic and subject to

continuous changes. Modifications to stolen vehicle records can occur due to various

factors such as the timing of vehicle theft reports by owners or drivers, law

enforcement reporting procedures, updates entered by contributing agencies, or

delays in vehicle recovery processes.

Challenges are inherent in the data, including potential inaccuracies from poor data

entry, processing errors, or limitations in data normalization standards. Before

utilization in this analysis, the ATICC undertook rigorous screening efforts to ensure

the accuracy and normalization of stolen vehicle records.

The analytical modeling data, retrieved on February 15, 2023, served as the basis for

compiling aggregate theft and recovery data for this report. Percentage calculations

are rounded to the nearest whole number for simplicity. It is crucial to acknowledge

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that the theft and recovery data presented in this report may indicate fluctuations in

totals compared to previous reports, reflecting the dynamic nature of the SVDR data.

Data Sources

Differences in data sources play a crucial role in understanding variations in reported

auto theft statistics. This report aims to provide transparency by referencing various

publication sources and findings, shedding light on the disparities in data collection

and normalization methodologies utilized by each source.

NCIC (National Crime Information Center): Data sourced from the NCIC is

disseminated through The International Justice and Public Safety Network (Nlets),

formerly known as the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System.

Reports derived from NCIC data by entities like the National Insurance Crime Bureau

(NICB) may lack sanitization or normalization methods, potentially leading to inflated

auto theft totals.

UCR/NIBRS (Uniform Crime Reporting/National Incident-Based Reporting System):

Managed by the FBI, the UCR and NIBRS programs serve as national standards for

law enforcement crime data reporting in the United States. As of 2021, NIBRS has

become the FBI's primary system for collecting crime data, replacing the Summary

Reporting System (SRS). Unlike SRS, NIBRS collects more detailed information about

each crime incident and is not limited to reporting only the most serious crimes.

Agencies submit their data voluntarily either through a state UCR program or directly

to the FBI.

CCIC (Colorado Crime Information Center): Established as a computerized

information system, CCIC serves as a conduit for Colorado criminal justice agencies

to access nationwide data from systems like NCIC and Nlets. The Colorado Bureau

of Investigation (CBI) offers the Colorado Crime Stats (CCS) platform, allowing both

the public and law enforcement agencies to access and analyze crime data within

Colorado. Funding for CCS is provided by the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention

Authority (CATPA).

Understanding the nuances and intricacies of each data source is essential for

interpreting and comparing auto theft statistics accurately. By acknowledging the

differences in data collection and normalization methods, stakeholders can make

informed decisions and develop effective strategies to combat auto theft.

Findings

• Colorado witnessed a substantial improvement in statewide reported stolen

vehicles, registering a notable 21% decrease in reported stolen vehicles by

volume in 2023, amounting to 8,680 fewer thefts, compared to reported vehicle

thefts in 2022. This positive trend contrasts with the 12% increase observed in

2022. Colorado experienced 32,976 reported stolen vehicles in 2023, averaging a

per capita rate of 560 stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents, compared to 41,656

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reported stolen vehicles in 2022, averaging a per capita rate of 713 stolen vehicles

per 100,000 residents.

o Analytical Remark Regarding the Rate of Reduction of Reported Stolen

Vehicles: The significant drop suggests that a combination of legislative

support, focused strategies, public education and outreach, task force

operations, intelligence and information-sharing efforts, and various anecdotal

factors, such as legislative reforms and the absence of pandemic restrictions,

are likely collectively contributing to a positive impact statewide according to

data from the Auto Theft Intelligence Coordination Center’s Stolen Vehicle

Database Repository.

o Analytical Remark Regarding NIBRS and SVDR: The alignment between the

National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS)

iii

and the SVDR regarding

reported stolen vehicle data is comparable, despite differences in data

collection standards and methods. While both reporting systems originate from

law enforcement, NIBRS collects information on law enforcement cases

involving motor vehicle theft, whereas the SVDR collects information on

reported stolen vehicles. Although both systems have distinct approaches, the

alignment of reported law enforcement motor vehicle theft cases in NIBRS and

the number of reported stolen vehicles in SVDR are statistically similar,

particularly when excluding attempted motor vehicle thefts from the NIBRS

dataset. Although there may be variations in totals and theft rates between

SVDR and NIBRS, these differences are generally not substantial. The effort

to synchronize and compare data from these two sources enhances the overall

understanding of motor vehicle theft trends, providing a more comprehensive

perspective despite the variances in their respective methodologies.

• Analytical Remark Regarding NICB: The National Insurance Crime Bureau

(NICB) published the 2023 Vehicle Theft Trend Report on March 8, 2024,

shedding light on Colorado's motor vehicle theft rank per capita and volume within

the nation. NICB ranked Colorado with the #2 spot for thefts per capita for all U.S.

states at 583 in 2023 versus the 731 per capita rates in 2022, which is one (1)

rank better than the years 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Colorado went from #5 in

March of 2023 to #6 in thefts by volume, which should not be confused with the

per capita ranking. (NICB; National Insurance Crime Bureau, 2023)

It should be noted that NICB utilizes the National Crime Information Center’s

(NCIC) data. This is different from the CCIC data the ATICC SVDR uses for

reporting, where internal logic built into the ATICC SVDR cleans duplicate

vehicle thefts and re-entries from purged records. This results in variances

in aggregate theft totals.

• An estimated $430,897,392 of value was related to the 32,976 reported stolen

vehicles in 2023.

o Analytical Remark Regarding the FBI UCR: The Federal Bureau of

Investigation did not publish the average dollar loss of stolen vehicles in 2021

and 2022 due to technical difficulties. In previous years, the FBI utilized an

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Analysis of Motor Vehicle Theft Using the Survival Model

, which provided an

average dollar loss per stolen vehicle.

o Analytical Remark Regarding the ATICC Average Loss Value: The ATICC's

assessment of the most stolen vehicle styles, encompassing passenger cars,

pickup trucks, and SUVs, reveals that they collectively constituted 82% of all

vehicle thefts in 2023. Utilizing the fair market value, the ATICC calculated the

average value of the top four most stolen vehicle makes and models for each

category resulting in a per-vehicle value of $13,067. While this provides an

approximate value based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), this

method of valuing the loss of a stolen vehicle should not be considered as an

economic loss, as it does not consider the loss to the insurance industry, or

economic impact to a victim’s lost wages, tow or impound fees, etc. This

methodology varies from the FBI average dollar loss, as variables included in

the FBI Survival Model include many other factors, (e.g., recovery of the

vehicle, etc.)

• In a 5-year comparison from 2018 through 2022, Colorado experienced a notable

98% increase in reported stolen vehicles. However, the landscape shifted in 2023

with a significant 21% decrease in reported stolen vehicles, altering the overall

five-year comparison for 2019-2023 to reflect a 62% increase in reported stolen

vehicles. This reduction in 2023 played a crucial role in decelerating Colorado's

motor vehicle theft pace when compared to the earlier years of 2018-2022. (SVDR)

• Examining the rate of reported stolen vehicles per capita over the past five (5)

years reveals a 56% increase. In 2019, the rate was 358 reported stolen vehicles

per 100,000 residents, rising to 560 reported stolen vehicles per 100,000 residents

in 2023. (SVDR)

• Aligning with previous reporting years, 2023 motor vehicle theft data demonstrates

that 51% of reported stolen vehicles are recovered outside the municipality where

the motor vehicle theft occurred, indicating the crime of motor vehicle theft is a

multijurisdictional criminal event. (SVDR)

• Insights from Colorado Courts data for 2023 reveal that out of 4,763 cases/dockets

filed, 76% (3,615 cases) involved additional criminal charges related to the motor

vehicle theft incident. (Courts MVT and Associated Offense Charge Data, 2020-

2023)

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• Breaking down the 4,763 cases/dockets filed in 2023 revealed that 1,148 cases

(24%) were singularly charged with motor vehicle theft. This insight is drawn from

the detailed data provided by the Colorado Courts MVT and Associated Offense

Charge Data for the year 2020-2023.

• The 2023 Colorado Courts data indicates that 563 (12%) of the cases/dockets filed

carried charges associated with violent crimes linked to motor vehicle theft,

aligning with the definition of "Crime of Violence" as per the Colorado Revised

Statute.

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• The charge of "F3, Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft w/Two Prior" convictions or

adjudications were contained in 191 cases/dockets filed in 2023, approximately

4% of the total.

o Analytical Comment: Due to a lack of personal identifying information (PII), the

ATICC cannot ascertain the number of multiple cases/dockets tied to the same

defendant.

By the enactment of SB 23-097 on July 1, 2024, there were 191

cases/dockets filed for F3, Aggravated Motor Vehicle Theft w/Two Prior

convictions or adjudications, compared to 307 cases/dockets filed in 2022.

The previous year's reporting on motor vehicle theft and other related crimes will show differences in the count of

charges due to some plead and/or charges dropped, however, the number of cases filed will remain the same.

• Hyundai Elantra (1332 thefts) and Chevrolet Silverado (1285 thefts) emerged as

the highest volume of reported stolen vehicles. (SVDR)

• Hyundai and Kia manufactured vehicles collectively accounted for 23% of all

reported stolen vehicles in the state, totaling 7,722 out of the 32,976 vehicles

stolen in 2023, as per the data provided by the SVDR.

o Analytical Comment: ATICC is aware the theft of certain Hyundai and Kia

vehicles is a result of thieves exploiting vehicle security systems. Owners of

Hyundai and Kia vehicles should contact the manufacturer to determine if their

vehicle is eligible for a vehicle software security upgrade.

Motor Vehicle Theft and Associated Crimes

Motor vehicle theft (MVT) remains a persistent crime, driven by offenders seeking both

profit and convenience to elude law enforcement detection and engage in additional

criminal activities. Recognizing the need for a thorough analysis, the ATICC

endeavors to assess the correlation between motor vehicle theft offenders and

associated offenses.

• In 2023, a total of 32,976 vehicles were reported stolen, but despite the capabilities

of the SVDR the ATICC faces challenges in precisely determining which of these

Colorado Courts Cases/Dockets

Invovling Motor Vehicle Theft

2020

% Change

2020 vs.

2021

% Change

2021 vs.

2022

2022 2022%

% Change

2022 vs.

2023

Cases Filed 4,809 16% 5,

601 0% 5,610 -15% 4,763

With Sole Charge of Motor Vehicle Theft 770 22% 937 47% 1,379 24.58% -17% 1,148

With Motor Vehicle Theft and Other Charges 4,039 15% 4,664 -9% 4,231 75.42% -15% 3,615

With Motor Vehicle Theft and Charge of Violent Crime 499 20% 597 -19% 483 8.61% 17% 563

Count of Violent Crime Charges 1,013 17% 1,184 -22% 924 18% 1,094

Average Violent Crime Charges per Case 2.0 2.0 1.9 1.9

With Motor Vehicle Theft and Charge of Weapons 455 24% 565 -34% 371 6.61% 1% 373

Count of Weapons Charges 780 23% 958 -34% 635 13% 719

Average Weapon Charges per Case 1.7 1.7 1.7 1.9

With F-3 Aggravated MVT w/Two Prior Convictions/Adjudications 195 25% 243 26% 307 5.47% -38% 191

With Felony Cases (F1-F6) 4,625 17% 5,416 -2% 5,333 95.06% -15% 4,555

Felony Charges 10,670 13% 12,017 -18% 9,854 -12% 8,690

Felony Charge per Felony Case 2.3 2.2 1.8 1.9

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32,976 thefts are directly connected to specific criminal charges of motor vehicle

theft within the Colorado Courts system.

o Analytical Comment: Recognizing the importance of closing this intelligence

and information gap, leaders from the CATPA and the CSP are utilizing funds

from SB-257 and actively collaborating on a significant solution. The aim is to

provide every law enforcement agency in the state with a comprehensive

platform to share data and access crime information from all agencies. This

initiative is designed to bridge the existing gap, enhancing coordination and

information sharing among law enforcement entities and ultimately contributing

to more effective responses and investigations related to motor vehicle theft.

• The ATICC relies on Colorado Courts data for criminal charge information, except

for Denver City and County, where the source is the Denver Police Department. In

2023, 4,763 cases/dockets were filed, relating to 4,763 defendants. Yet, due to a

lack of personal identifying information (PII), the ATICC cannot ascertain the

number of multiple cases/dockets tied to the same defendant.

• Colorado Courts data contains 4,763 cases/dockets filed, encompassing 15,473

charges. Among these charges, 6,035 were related to motor vehicle theft and/or

attempted theft, while 9,438 were associated with other offenses stemming from

motor vehicle theft incidents. These entail a range of threats to public safety,

including but not limited to narcotics, weapons, vehicular eluding, DUI, reckless

driving, assault, attempted homicide, robbery, burglary, resisting arrest, and

assault in the 1

degree – threatening a peace officer with a weapon.

o Analytical Comment: On January 30, 2023, Colorado lawmakers introduced

SB23-097 to combat auto theft. The bill decouples the cost value of a stolen

vehicle from the criminal penalty and imposes increased penalties for repeat

auto theft offenders. The legislation reclassifies stealing any vehicle, regardless

of value, as a Class 5 felony, punishable by one (1) to three (3) years in prison,

a fine between $1,000 to $100,000, or both. Depending on aggravating factors,

such as a prior motor vehicle theft conviction, the offense can be elevated to a

Class 4 or Class 3 felony. On February 27, 2023, the Senate Judiciary

Committee referred SB 23-097 to the Committee on Appropriations, receiving

unanimous approval. Notably, in 2023, before the enactment of SB 23-097 on

July 1, there were 191 cases/dockets filed for F3, Aggravated Motor Vehicle

Theft w/Two Prior convictions or adjudications, compared to 307 cases/dockets

filed in 2022.

• Regarding the 6,035 charges related to motor vehicle theft and attempted theft,

91% (5,491) were felony charges (F1-F6), while 9% (544) were misdemeanor

charges (M1-M3), illustrating the severity of the offenses. (Sources: SVDR;

Colorado Courts MVT and Associated Offense Charge Data, 2023; Colorado

General Assembly, 2023)

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Motor Vehicle Theft and Criminal Violence

The apprehension of auto theft suspects poses a high-risk, dynamic challenge for law

enforcement, particularly when dealing with prolific offenders who are known to evade

officers, engage in dangerous driving actions, and often possess or have access to

weapons, especially firearms. (Colorado Courts MVT and Associated Offense Charge

Data, 2023)

• In 2023, the Beat Auto Theft Through Law Enforcement (BATTLE) task force

and the CATPA Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force (CMATT) played a crucial

role in recovering 177 firearms during motor vehicle theft-related case

investigations. These dedicated teams encountered 84 incidents involving

armed offenders, highlighting the inherent dangers law enforcement faces in

tackling motor vehicle theft-related crimes. According to data from Colorado

Courts, there were 719 weapons charges and 373 cases/dockets filed, along

with 56 weapons charges and 30 cases/dockets filed in the Denver Police

Department Records Management System (DPD RMS), specifically related to

weapons offenses associated with motor vehicle theft. This underscores the

prevalence of weapons in the context of motor vehicle theft and the associated

criminal activities. (Law Enforcement Reporting, 2023)

• Examining the broader spectrum of violent crimes related to motor vehicle theft,

Colorado Courts data reveals that out of the 4,763 total cases/dockets, 563

cases/dockets (12%) contained 1,094 qualifying violent crime charges. DPD

RMS data indicates that out of 887 total cases/dockets, 20 cases/dockets (2%)

contained 34 qualifying violent crime charges, following the definition outlined

in the Colorado Revised Statute for "Crime of Violence.”

It's essential to note

that "carjacking" is categorized separately from motor vehicle theft charges and

is treated as a "robbery." According to the "Denver Crimes Armed Carjacking

2023 crime report," there were 184 incidents of carjacking in Denver, reflecting

a 5% reduction compared to the 193 incidents reported in 2022. This distinction

sheds light on the various facets of criminal activity associated with motor

vehicle theft, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to

addressing these challenges. (Sources: Law Enforcement Reporting; Colorado

Courts MVT and Associated Offense Charge Data, 2023; Denver Police

Department RMS; Denver Crimes, 2023; Denver Crimes, 2022;

Colorado

Legal Resources; definition of crime of violence, 2023)

Auto Theft Criminal Enterprise Organizations

In 2023, the presence of large-scale vehicle theft rings operating across different

regions of the state significantly contributed to the overall auto theft totals in the state.

• One notable instance occurred in September 2023 with a Colorado Organized

Crime Control Act (COCCA) case, known as A Toda Madre (ATM), which concluded

with the Grand Jury indicting 13 offenders on 123 charges. This extensive case

involved the theft of 55 vehicles and 30 burglaries, affecting 82 unique victims across

22 jurisdictions, resulting in a theft value of $2,059,354. Following the apprehension

of these offenders, motor vehicle thefts at Denver International Airport (DEN)

experienced a considerable reduction beginning in November 2023, with 69% from

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the respective month of November 2022. December 2023 data indicated a 41%

decrease from December 2022. It cannot be understated the impact of dismantling

such criminal operations on local crime rates. (Source: Law Enforcement Reporting)

Identified High-Density Theft Areas

The prevalence of motor vehicle

theft in high-density areas

remains a consistent challenge,

particularly in and around larger

cities. The majority of these

incidents are concentrated in

the Denver Metro area,

Colorado Springs, Aurora, and

Pueblo. This pattern aligns with

regions experiencing significant

population growth in Colorado,

coupled with easy access to

major roadways. The twelve

identified high-density theft

areas were determined by the

volume of thefts and some

areas will not correlate with the volume of other identified theft areas.

Addressing high-density theft areas during 2023, CATPA implemented a statewide

strategy, working with the Governor’s Office, to align with the Governor’s Wildly Important

Goal (WIG) in “working to make Colorado one of the top 10 safest states” regarding auto

theft. CATPA worked with multiagency programs and partnerships to support funding for

reducing motor vehicle theft in high-density theft areas of the state through public

education with outreach, and enforcement. These efforts commenced in July of 2023 and

the reporting is through December 2023 and compared to the respective timeframe from

2022.

1. Denver International Airport with the Denver Police Department and CMATT

• DIA efforts resulted in a 104% increase.

2. Denver Police Department’s District 3 with Denver Police Department

• District 3 efforts resulted in a 39% decrease.

3. Denver Police Department’s District 5 with Denver Police Department

• District 5 efforts resulted in a 63% decrease.

4. Northern Colorado #1 - BATTLE North Auto Theft Task Force

• North high-density theft area #1 resulted in a 1% decrease.

5. Northern Colorado #2 - BATTLE North Auto Theft Task Force

• North high-density theft area #2 resulted in a 45% decrease.

6. Southern Colorado #1 - BATTLE South Auto Theft Task Force

• South high-density theft area #1 resulted in an 11% decrease.

7. Southern Colorado #2 - BATTLE South Auto Theft Task Force

• South high-density theft area #2 resulted in a 12% increase.

8. Western Colorado - BATTLE West Auto Theft Task Force

• West high-density theft area resulted in an 8% increase.

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9. Eastern Colorado #1- BATTLE East Auto Theft Task Force

• East high-density theft area #1 resulted in no change.

10. Eastern Colorado #2 - BATTLE East Auto Theft Task Force

• East high-density theft area #2 resulted in a 25% increase.

11. Lakewood, Colorado - Lakewood Police Department

• Lakewood's high-density theft area resulted in a 28% decrease.

12. Arvada, Colorado - Arvada Police Department

• Arvada’s high-density theft area resulted in a 32% decrease.

Analytical Note: Early metrics pulled for January and February 2024, have shown

consistent decreases in the high-density theft areas in rate and pace of thefts.

• According to the Fly Denver press

release, during 2023, Denver

International Airport (DIA) served a

record-breaking 77,837,917

passengers, reflecting a 12%

increase compared to the previous

year's record of 69,286,461

passengers in 2022. This marked

the first time in history that DEN

surpassed 70 million annual

passengers. However, the surge in

passenger traffic also presented a

target-rich environment for motor

vehicle theft offenders. Vehicles parked at DEN terminal parking and surrounding lots

were perceived as potentially unguarded for extended periods, providing ample time

for thefts to go unnoticed and unreported.

o In response to this challenge, collaborative efforts were initiated by Denver

International Airport leadership (DEN), the Denver Police Department (DPD), the

Colorado Department of Public Safety (CDPS), CATPA, and CMATT. These

organizations combined their resources to address the motor vehicle theft issue

head-on. This collaborative approach reflects a proactive stance and underscores

the importance of pooling expertise and resources to effectively combat the

challenges posed by motor vehicle theft in high-traffic and potentially vulnerable

areas.

1. DEN and DPD implemented new measures to address auto and catalytic

converter thefts within the airport’s parking lots. “Our commitment to the safety

and security of our passengers, staff, and their belongings is unwavering,” DEN

CEO Phil Washington said. “DEN’s multifaceted strategy is a testament to our

dedication to providing a safe environment within our parking lots. Through

collaboration with law enforcement agencies and innovative security measures,

we are taking proactive steps to minimize auto thefts and damages.”

xii

2. Increased Security Patrols and High Impact Enforcement: DEN has

significantly bolstered security patrols within its parking lots, deploying contract

security personnel and Denver Police officers. This increased presence serves

Jan Feb Ma r Apr Ma y Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2022 THEFTS

32 20

43 29 41

34 23 19 37 42 39 37

2023 THEFTS

29 45 42 52 40 85 112 95 108 62 12 22

100

120

DIA (2.5 MILE-RADIUS)

THEFT COMPARISON

2022 vs. 2023

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as a strong deterrent to potential criminals and provides an immediate

response to any suspicious activity.

3. High Activity Location Observation (HALO) Cameras: In a move to enhance

surveillance capabilities, DEN is in the process of acquiring 15 HALO cameras

strategically positioned throughout the parking lots. These advanced cameras

are mobile and designed to monitor high-activity areas, discouraging criminal

behavior, and enabling rapid response and video evidence collection in case

of incidents.

4. Expanded Camera Coverage: DEN is also working to install additional

permanent security cameras to provide complete coverage of all surface

parking lots. This comprehensive camera network will further fortify DEN’s

security infrastructure and aid in proactive monitoring.

5. Stolen Vehicle Alerts: DEN has integrated cutting-edge technology that alerts

security personnel when stolen vehicles enter key locations on airport property.

This proactive approach can aid in preventing further criminal activities as

stolen vehicles are often used for criminal activity and assist law enforcement

agencies in their efforts to apprehend criminals more quickly.

6. Additional Barrier: DEN is also working with DPD to evaluate new barriers at

key parking lot locations that will help to prevent criminals from leaving parking

exit lanes and damaging gate arms.

o DEN has a collaborative partnership with the Denver Police Department to combat

auto crimes and promote vehicle theft prevention. The following initiatives under

this partnership have already been rolled out:

o Enforcement: Utilizing the Denver Police officers assigned to DEN and DPD’s

newer Denver Auto Theft Team (DATT), to date, approximately 15 suspects

were arrested for auto theft at DEN, while the DATT continues special

enforcement operations at the airport property.

o DENVERTRACK: Through the DenverTrack program, motorists can

preauthorize police access to their vehicles’ GPS for real-time tracking in the

event of theft. This innovative approach enhances the chances of swift

recovery, suspect identification/apprehension, and minimizes potential

damages.

o Free Catalytic Converter Etching/Protection Kits: DEN, in conjunction with the

Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA), is offering free catalytic

converter etching/protection kits to vehicle owners. This initiative aims to

discourage theft and vandalism, providing an added layer of protection.

o Free Steering Wheel Lock Distribution: Another CATPA partnership initiative

involves the distribution of free steering wheel locks. This simple yet effective

measure prevents unauthorized vehicle use and serves as a visual deterrent

for thieves. (Fly Denver Press Release)

Legislative Efforts

Authored by Director Robert D. Force, CATPA

Source: NCIC Data through NICB

Since 2015, Colorado has ranked among the top 10 states for having the worst auto theft

rate per capita in the nation, where our ranking generally continued to worsen through

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2022. The 2022 data shows Colorado held the #1 spot for a three-year stint from 2020 to

2022, reaching a rate of 731 thefts per capita, which is the highest level we’ve

experienced since the FBI UCR NIBRS reporting in 1999 comparing Colorado with other

states. In 2022, Colorado was 128 per capita points above the #3 worst state (Washington

with a rate of 603), and more than double that of the #10 worst state, Minnesota, with a

rate of 311. Colorado experienced over a 6,900% increase in the theft of catalytic

converters from 2019 (60 thefts) to 2022 (4,203).

In 2021, Governor Polis and the Colorado Legislature began to give unprecedented

attention to address statewide motor vehicle theft. Governor Polis introduced a Wildly

Important Goal to “make Colorado one of the top 10 safest states by reducing auto theft

by 10% before July 2023.” In response, two key pieces of legislation were passed, Senate

Bill 23-097 and Senate Bill 23-257, which were both signed into law by Governor Polis in

June 2023.

Senate Bill 23-257 provided for $5M for one year of funding (FY2023-2024) through

CATPA to implement grant programs for:

1) A statewide education and outreach to increase awareness of automobile theft

victimization.

2) Programs to support victims of automobile theft.

3) Additional overtime for law enforcement agencies.

4) A dedicated automobile theft prosecution program.

5) Enhancing and upgrading the automobile theft tracking and reporting system; or

6) Any other direct or indirect costs associated with the implementation of these

programs.

Of important note, Senate Bill 23-257 provided a unique ability in funding to support

victims of automobile theft – which is new to CATPA. The ATICC is not aware of any other

law enforcement victim services program in the country dedicated to supporting auto theft

victims. Providing this victim support fills a gap in victim assistance, as under the Colorado

Crime Victims Act automobile theft is not an enumerated crime for eligibility.

The $5M of additional funding under Senate Bill 23-257 was distributed by the CATPA

Board, where grant projects began on October 2, 2023. One of the challenges of this one-

year funding is the grant projects are limited from hiring personnel, or otherwise have

financial support to maintain or sustain their efforts beyond June 30, 2024.

Leading into this year’s legislative session, Governor Polis has stated “We take very

seriously the goal of making Colorado one of the 10 safest states. That means additional

funding to reduce auto theft, including more technology and DNA analysis, and protecting

communities against targeted violence.”

This past year, CATPA and leadership of the Colorado State Patrol worked with the

Department of Public Safety to submit a proposal to sustain the efforts of Senate Bill 23-

257 and continue an effort with the Governor’s Wildly Important Goals to make Colorado

one of the top 10 safest states. In response, a decision item was submitted to the

Governor’s Office, where the Governor’s Office then proposed the request to the Joint

Budget Committee, which is under current consideration. As the Legislature continues its

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deliberation and the arduous task of balancing the State Budget, we are hopeful the

decision item will be funded.

Specifically, the legislative request, which is referred to as CDPS R-01 Colorado Auto

Theft Prevention Initiative, includes:

• An increase of $12,520,406 of funds in FY 2024-25, including $11,134,192 General

Fund and $1,386,214 Highway Users Tax Fund off-the-top and 10.1 FTE

• Continuation of funding for $12,351,718 of funds ongoing, including $10,934,192

General Fund and $1,417,526 Highway Users Tax Fund off-the-top and 11.0 FTE

These funds are requested to augment the capacity of CATPA and the existing multi-

jurisdictional task forces to combat auto theft by providing grant funds for sustaining or

implementing programs funded by SB23-257. The request also provides funding to

support staff for managing the grant programs and administrative needs of the initiative.

This request seeks to address statewide motor vehicle theft and continue the efforts of

Senate Bill 23-257 through a comprehensive initiative that features the above key

components. In striving to make Colorado one of the top 10 safest U.S. states, Colorado

would need to reduce its motor vehicle theft rate to fewer than 185 motor vehicle thefts

per capita, which would be fewer than 10,800 motor vehicle thefts per year or a reduction

of 75% from the number of reported motor vehicle thefts in 2022.

Information on submitting a letter of interest or application can be found at

https://lockdownyourcar.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/FY25-CATPA_D1-Intent-to-

Apply-Announcement.docx.

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has also submitted a separate decision item to

assist in auto theft prevention. The decision item is CDPS R-03 Forensic Resources to

Reduce Auto Theft, which includes:

• $1.9M total funds, all from the General Fund, including 10.1 FTE.

• The increase of $1,874,952 General Fund and 10.1 FTE in FY 2024-25 and

$3,699,323 General Fund and 20.0 FTE in FY 2025-26 and ongoing for investigators

to leverage new DNA technology to address auto theft across Colorado.

CATPA has been fortunate to have incredible support and a partnership network to create

an environment to make a significant change in addressing statewide automobile theft.

The credit must go to those police officers, investigators, prosecutors, victim advocates,

administrative staff, and grant project leaders for providing support, feedback, and

guidance on recommendations, best practices, innovative ideas, and viable

countermeasures to address statewide auto theft. Secondly, the CATPA Board has been

instrumental in navigating a statewide strategy to maximize the steward and use of auto

theft grant funds with attention to reducing auto theft in high-density theft areas. Thirdly,

CSP Chief Matthew Packard and CDPS Director Stan Hilkey have given an intense level

of dedication, support, study, and priority to address this statewide problem. Their

leadership has not only challenged CATPA in moving toward implementation of Wildly

Important Goals, but provided CATPA with excellent feedback, administrative guidance,

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and executive support for proposing solutions to reduce auto theft. Fourthly, the Governor

and Legislature give high priority and attention to public policy to address statewide

automobile theft. (Force, 2023)

CATPA Public Outreach and Education Program

Authored by Cale Gould, CATPA

The Public Outreach and Education program

offered by CATPA serves as a valuable resource

available to law enforcement, municipal and

county governments, insurance agencies or

corporations, and private businesses. This

program encourages active participation from

these entities and extends an invitation for their

involvement in CATPA Outreach events and

activities throughout any area in Colorado, not

confined to their respective jurisdictions.

CATPA's commitment to providing resources

and staff to these public and private entities is strategically aimed at acting as a force

multiplier. The objective is to enhance awareness regarding auto theft incidents in

Colorado and to champion auto theft prevention through educational initiatives spanning

various disciplines. The inclusive approach ensures efficient outreach to all of Colorado's

diverse communities.

This outreach program operates in direct support of various CATPA grants, including but

not limited to the Auto Theft Intelligence Coordination Center (ATICC), Beat Auto Theft

Through Law Enforcement (BATTLE), Colorado Auto Theft Investigators (CATI), CATPA-

Metropolitan Auto Theft Taskforce (C-MATT), and all other grant programs. By fostering

collaboration and education, CATPA aims to create a united front against auto theft and

promote a safer environment for communities across the state.

In the calendar year 2023, CATPA's Outreach activities demonstrated a robust presence

with participation, sponsorship, or support for a total of 73 community events. These

events ranged from localized auto theft prevention presentations to major showcases like

the Denver Auto Show and the CATPA Take Over Night at the Colorado Eagles Hockey

Game. The strategic planning ensured coverage across nearly every region of Colorado,

with a specific emphasis on engaging communities in high-density theft areas to foster

relationships with the public.

Noteworthy successes in 2023 included effective collaboration with the media, resulting

in heightened awareness of CATPA's pivotal role as the central statewide authority for all

matters related to motor vehicle theft. Media partnerships extended to national

publications such as Road and Track, the Washington Post, and local news stations. This

collaboration, synchronized with the Auto Theft Intelligence Coordination Center (ATICC),

ensured consistent and accurate messaging regarding statistical information. The growth

of this media collaboration aspect within the CATPA Public Outreach program marked a

significant achievement in maintaining a unified public narrative on motor vehicle theft

from a statewide perspective.

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For organizations interested in CATPA activities, the "Events" page on the

lockdownyourcar.org website provides information on planned events. The CATPA

Outreach Coordinator, Cale Gould, plays a central role in identifying, planning, and

executing outreach events, maintaining lockdownyourcar.org, managing public affairs for

CATPA and auto theft-related topics for the Colorado State Patrol, and facilitating

department relations to support other law enforcement agencies. Cale Gould can be

reached via email at cale.goud@state.co.us or by phone at 303-656-1524.

CATPA Outreach Program provides various resources, including:

• Presentations on auto theft trends, prevention techniques, and community

engagement for vehicle theft prevention (available for both law enforcement and

community events).

• Public affairs support on auto theft trends and information, including localized area or

jurisdictional statistical support.

• Event support, whether for planned auto theft-related events (such as steering wheel

lock distribution, catalytic converter marking events, or prevention booths) or the

CATPA Outreach Coordinator's attendance at already planned community events

(summer fests, open houses, etc.).

• Material support, including educational brochures for the public, promotional items for

community engagement, or assistance with any articulated community needs.

• Social media content for consistent messaging across Colorado.

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Analytical Modeling

Stolen and recovered vehicle figures in the SVDR are

directly sourced from the CCIC system. It's worth

mentioning that these numbers may slightly differ

from those in individual agency databases. Notably,

the ATICC dataset excludes attempted vehicle thefts

and vehicles that were recovered before being

officially reported as stolen, thus not entered in CCIC

as stolen incidents.

Furthermore, the CATPA regions in Colorado are

delineated into six (6) areas, each served by a

designated auto theft task force. This regional breakdown ensures a focused and targeted

approach to addressing auto theft challenges within specific areas of the state. Overall,

these clarifications underscore the nuances in data collection and reporting methods,

emphasizing the need for precision when interpreting and comparing auto theft statistics.

Motor Vehicle Theft by Volume, Year, and Rate

The 5-year analysis of statewide motor vehicle theft volumes reveals a significant 62%

overall increase from 20,300 incidents in 2019 to 32,976 in 2023. This upward trend in

motor vehicle theft is characterized by a 39% increase from 2019 to 2020, followed by a

31% increase from 2020 to 2021. The trend continued with a 12% increase from 2021 to

2022, but notably, there was a long-awaited 21% decrease in motor vehicle theft from

2022 to 2023, offering a positive shift in the trajectory (SVDR).

Looking into the per capita perspective, data sourced from the SVDR indicates a

noteworthy 21% decline in Colorado's motor vehicle theft rate from 713 vehicles stolen

per 100,000 residents in 2022 to 560 vehicles stolen per 100,000 residents in 2023. Note:

This data will differ from the reporting in the Legislative Efforts section, authored by

Director R. Force due to different dates of the data extractions. This decline in the per

20,300

28,292

37,182

41,656

32,976

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

40,000

45,000

2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

Colorado Auto The�

Volume Comparison By Year

2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

CO POPULATION

5,676,913 5,784,584 5,811,026 5,838,736 5,890,651

CO THEFT RATE

358 489 640 713 560

358

489

640

713

560

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

5,550,000

5,600,000

5,650,000

5,700,000

5,750,000

5,800,000

5,850,000

5,900,000

5,950,000

Colorado Auto The� Rate

Comparison By Year

Auto Theft Rate calculation

(TheftsX100,000/population)

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capita theft rate suggests a positive impact, highlighting potential improvements in auto

theft prevention measures or law enforcement efforts, contributing to the reduction in theft

incidents on a per capita basis.

Motor Vehicle Recovery Rate by Year

Colorado's performance in recovering stolen

vehicles consistently surpasses the national

average. Over the 5 years from 2019 to 2023,

the state has maintained a strong track record

in recovering stolen vehicles. However, it's

worth noting that the recovery rate for 2023

stands at 86%, marking the lowest point in the

5-year comparison. It is anticipated that this

recovery rate will likely increase as more time

elapses and additional data becomes

available.

In the preceding year, 2022, the recovery rate was reported at 87%, and currently, for the

ongoing year, the recovery rate has already reached a commendable 90%. This indicates

a robust effort in the state's law enforcement and recovery mechanisms. The consistently

high recovery rates highlight the effectiveness of measures taken to locate and return

stolen vehicles to their rightful owners, showcasing Colorado's commitment to combating

motor vehicle theft.

Vehicle Theft by Per Capita SVDR vs. NIBRS

The data from the SVDR highlights a significant 57% increase in the vehicle theft rate per

capita over the 5-year comparison. This metric, measured per 100,000 residents, reflects

the upward trend in the occurrence of vehicle theft incidents in Colorado. This increase

emphasizes the need for continued efforts in prevention, law enforcement, and public

awareness to address and mitigate this trend. Analyzing and understanding the factors

contributing to this rise will be crucial in the continued implementation of effective

strategies to curb the vehicle theft rate and enhance overall community safety. The

NIBRS data of the vehicle theft rate per capita (per 100,000 residents) indicates a 50%

increase in the 5-year comparison. The vehicle theft counts between the SVDR and

NIBRS vary, however, it is necessary to demonstrate transparency due to Colorado

utilizing both sources. (CBI & CCS, 2023; Colorado Courts MVT and Associated Offense

Charge Data, 2023)

xiii

YEAR SVDR THEFT TOTAL

% THEFT CHANGE

PREVIOUS YEAR

CO POPULATION

THEFT RATE PER

CAPITA

2019 20,300 5,676,913 358

2020 28,292 39% 5,784,584 489

2021 37,182 31% 5,811,026 640

2022 41,656 12% 5,838,736 713

2023 32,976 -21% 5,890,651 560

5-YEAR TREND 62% 4% 57%

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Statewide Vehicle Style Thefts

ATICC uses the stolen vehicle records, as entered into CCIC, for administrative, strategic,

operational, and tactical analytical products. Stolen vehicle records entered into CCIC are

also categorized by style and may vary from those that may not be otherwise registered

with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles. Such vehicles may include construction

and farming equipment. The following vehicle styles will be the focus of this analysis:

motorcycle, passenger car, pickup truck, SUV, trailer, and van. (SVDR)

In 2023, passenger cars

emerged as the most targeted

vehicle style in the state,

witnessing 10,434 thefts,

followed by SUVs with 9,875

thefts, pickup trucks with 6,720

thefts, motorcycles with 1,780

thefts, trailers with 1,588 thefts,

and vans with 1,173 thefts

(SVDR).

Notably, all major vehicle

styles, including motorcycles,

passenger cars, pickup trucks,

SUVs, and vans, experienced a decrease in theft incidents in 2023 (SVDR).

Motorcycles and trailers continue to exhibit the lowest recovery rates among vehicles

used on roadways. This challenge is attributed to the absence of a Vehicle Identification

Number (VIN), Product Identification Number (PIN), or Owner Applied Number (OAN) on

these types of vehicles, contributing to their low recovery rates. Beyond motorcycles,

other low-speed vehicles such as mopeds, trailers, farm equipment, construction

equipment, and off-road vehicles may lack a tracking number or proper registration with

the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or the state. Additionally, the vehicle placard

or tag displaying a unique identifier can be easily removed by thieves (Force, R.; CATPA,

2022).

The recovery rate for farm and construction equipment is notably lower than that of any

other vehicle style used on roadways (SVDR). Again, this is likely due to many of these

STYLE 2019 THEFTS 2020 THEFTS 2021 THEFTS 2022 THEFTS 2023 THEFTS

Motorcycle 1,431 2,051 2,017 2,131 1,780

Active 567 835 860 1,004 944

Inactive 864 1,216 1,157 1,127 836

Recovery Rate 60% 59% 57% 53% 47%

Passenger Car 7,009 9,087 12,243 13,046 10,434

Active 261 240 279 359 598

Inactive 6,748 8,847 11,964 12,687 9,836

Recovery Rate 96% 97% 98% 97% 94%

Pickup Truck 4,059 6,172 8,047 8,389 6,720

Active 287 396 603 789 1,024

Inactive 3,772 5,776 7,444 7,600 5,696

Recovery Rate 93% 94% 93% 91% 85%

SUV 5,214 7,278 10,503 13,063 9,875

Active 179 199 259 353 550

Inactive 5,035 7,079 10,244 12,710 9,325

Recovery Rate 97% 97% 98% 97% 94%

Trailer 1,107 1,586 1,852 2,020 1,588

Active 549 794 902 994 863

Inactive 558 792 950 1,026 725

Recovery Rate 50% 50% 51% 51% 46%

YEAR NIBRS THEFT TOTAL

% THEFT CHANGE

PREVIOUS YEAR

CO POPULATION

THEFT RATE PER

CAPITA

2019 20,753 5,676,913 366

2020 28,365 37% 5,784,584 490

2021 37,217 31% 5,811,026 640

2022 41,213 11% 5,838,736 706

2023 32,308 -22% 5,890,651 548

5-YEAR TREND 56% 4% 50%

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vehicles not having PIN, VIN, or OAN identifiers, coupled with the theft of these vehicles

likely not being readily identified or under the purview of normal enforcement activities,

such as law enforcement traffic stops, etc.

Complicating matters further, many owners may not have unique identifying numbers at

the time of theft, making it challenging for law enforcement to conduct investigations and

facilitate recoveries. Law enforcement often encounters these types of vehicles during

chop shop raids, junk yard inspections, or during transport, but verifying the stolen status

becomes difficult due to the removal or absence of unique identifying numbers (Force,

R.; CATPA, 2022). This bolsters the need for comprehensive measures to address the

specific challenges associated with the theft and recovery of various vehicle styles.

The Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicle(s) in 2023

In 2023, the Hyundai Elantra was the most

stolen vehicle of all make and models, with a

total of 1,332 reported thefts. Among these, the

2013 model emerged as the most-at-risk

vehicle, contributing significantly with 256

reported thefts, representing 19% of the total

Hyundai Elantra thefts (SVDR).

The combined thefts of Kia (3,742) and Hyundai

(3,980) constitute approximately 23% of the

total statewide thefts. Kia and Hyundai

collectively account for six (6) of the top ten (10)

most stolen vehicles by make, with each having

three (3) models featured in the “Top 10 Most

Stolen Vehicles”, (SVDR). The Kia and Hyundai

OEMs are taking action to mitigate this trend

with a system security update for certain Kia and

Hyundai vehicles. CATPA has emphasized the

importance of targeted preventive measures

and heightened security measures for these popular models. (SVDR)

MAKE/MODEL TOP THEFT YEAR TOTAL THEFTS

HYUNDAI ELANTRA 2013 (256) 1332

CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2006 (150) 1285

HYUNDAI SONATA 2017 (187) 1040

FORD F-150 2018 (177) 1021

KIA SPORTAGE 2020 (200) 977

FORD F-250 1999 (80) 810

KIA OPTIMA 2015 (146) 783

HYUNDAI TUCSON 2017 (174) 756

HONDA CIVIC 1998 (81) 689

KIA SOUL 2016 (121) 649

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Motor Vehicle Thefts by CATPA Regional Areas

The following bar graph demonstrates how the 5-year comparison of statewide motor

vehicle theft with the percentage increase from 2019 to 2023 is distributed by the

CATPA regional area. (SVDR)

When considering the number of statewide motor vehicle thefts, as illustrated above,

the Denver Metro area routinely makes up the majority of motor vehicle thefts in

Colorado. In 2023, reported stolen vehicle thefts from the Denver Metro area

accounted for approximately 71% of the total thefts, a 3% decrease from 2022. The

Denver Metro area decreased by 24% from 2022 to 2023. (SVDR)

A notable 25% decrease in reported stolen vehicles was experienced in Northern

Colorado in 2023 vs. 2022. (SVDR)

Eastern, South West, Southern, and Western Colorado areas experienced decreases

in reported vehicle thefts in 2023 versus 2022. (SVDR)

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2023 Recovery Comparison

CATPA Regional Areas | Out-of-State

There were 29,985 recoveries, regardless of theft date, reported in 2023.

The recoveries in the following analysis focus solely on the recoveries of the thefts

that occurred between January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023. (SVDR)

In 2023, more than 80% of the stolen vehicles were recovered within the same CATPA

area in which they were originally stolen. Denver Metropolitan Area led with 86%,

followed by Southern Colorado at 80%. Eastern Colorado held the lowest rate at 49%.

The CATPA region statistic should not be confused with the municipality statistic of

51% of motor vehicle thefts being recovered in another municipality. (SVDR)

Note: The total number of theft and recoveries for the state will not equal the total

number of theft and recoveries from the theft and recovery areas in theft areas due to

missing address information of some records when pulling from the dataset ‘theft area’

and ‘recovery area’.

Colorado Stolen Vehicles Recovered Out of State and Country

In 2023, a total of 590 stolen vehicles reported in Colorado were successfully

recovered out of state, impacting 44 out of the 50 states in the United States and even

reaching the country of Mexico. The states bordering or near Colorado played a

significant role in the recovery efforts, with Texas leading the way by recovering 112

Colorado-stolen registered vehicles, followed by New Mexico with 71, Wyoming with

46, California with 32, and Arizona with 32 recoveries. These states, due to their

geographical proximity, have been more directly involved in recovering vehicles stolen

in Colorado.

Conversely, states situated farther North and East of Colorado were less affected by

Colorado motor vehicle thefts, emphasizing a regional distribution in the impact of

these cross-border theft and recovery dynamics (SVDR). This information highlights

the interstate and international nature of motor vehicle theft, with the importance of

collaborative efforts among states and countries to combat and recover stolen

vehicles effectively.

Identified Patterns in Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico

The recovery patterns observed in New Mexico, Texas, and Chihuahua, Mexico,

indicate a consistent preference for specific makes and models of vehicles, mirroring

the trends seen in Colorado thefts. Additionally, the criminal methods employed in

many thefts in Colorado seem to be replicated in these regions. Notably, vehicles

2023 Denver Metro Area Eastern Colorado Northern Colorado South West Colorado Southern Colorado Western Colorado

AREA THEFT COUNT 23,316 280 2,912 423 5,328 539

ALL RECOVERY IN 2023 NO MATTER THEFT DATE 21,677 215 2,477 323 4,872 421

NUMBER RECOVERED IN THEFT AREA 20,019 136 1,686 228 4,236 299

% RECOVERED OUTSIDE OF THEFT AREA 14% 51% 42% 46% 20% 45%

% RECOVERED INSIDE THEFT AREA 86% 49% 58%

54% 80% 55%

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stolen from Denver International Airport (DEN) have been identified and recovered in

Mexico, showcasing an international dimension to these criminal activities.

Sixteen (16) Colorado thefts have been successfully recovered near the U.S. and

Mexico Border in El Paso, Texas. Identifying and understanding these patterns allows

for more targeted and effective countermeasures, both within Colorado and in

collaboration with neighboring states and international counterparts. It highlights the

need for coordinated efforts to combat vehicle theft and recover stolen vehicles across

jurisdictions.

Outlook

In March 2024, the positive trend of decreasing statewide vehicle thefts in Colorado

persists. The collaborative efforts of the Governor's Office, Legislature, Colorado

Department of Public Safety, Colorado State Patrol, and the Colorado Auto Theft

Prevention Authority remain focused on achieving the state's Wildly Important Goals. As

part of this commitment, a target has been set to achieve an additional 20% reduction in

vehicle thefts in 2024, aiming for a total of 6,595 fewer thefts. The ultimate goal is to reach

a total of 26,381 or fewer auto thefts by the end of 2024. This ambitious objective reflects

the dedication of various stakeholders to enhance public safety and security through

proactive measures against motor vehicle theft.

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Recommendations

The following recommendations are offered to countermeasure the incidence of vehicle

theft and related crimes, address emerging technology challenges influencing vehicle

theft and associated crimes, and innovate concepts to reduce motor vehicle crimes.

● Owners of all motor vehicles should be encouraged to lock their vehicles, remove all

keys, weapons, and personal property, park in physically secured areas, and not leave

their vehicles running unattended to prevent their vehicles from being stolen.

● As education is one of the best methods to prevent crime victimization, vehicle owners

should be encouraged to visit www.lockdownyourcar.org for awareness and tips on

how to avoid being a victim of auto theft.

● Owners of Hyundai and Kia vehicles should be encouraged to contact local authorized

dealerships to acquire an upgrade to the vehicle security systems to elevate theft

prevention. Kia vehicle owners can query their vehicle for eligible upgrades using

https://update.kia.com/US/EN/updateGuide/03. Hyundai vehicle owners can query

their vehicle for eligible upgrades using

https://update.hyundai.com/US/EN/updateGuide.

● Owners of Hyundai and Kia vehicles, especially vehicles not eligible for immediate

factory upgrades, should consider using aftermarket theft prevention devices, such as

steering wheel locks, engine immobilizers meeting or exceeding ULC S338 standards,

and locking their vehicle in physically secured parking areas (e.g. locked parking

garages, residential garages, etc.)

● Owners of older model vehicles, greater than 10 years old not possessing electronic

engine immobilization (e.g. FOB technology), should be encouraged to consider

elevating their vehicle security with aftermarket engine immobilization, steering wheel

locks, and/or GPS tracking systems.

● Owners of all gasoline or diesel engine vehicles should consider safeguarding their

catalytic converter by parking in physically secured parking areas, utilizing theft

hardening systems for their catalytic converter, and marking their catalytic converter

with identification marking for tracking and recovery in the event it is stolen.

● Owners of all motor vehicles, as well as law enforcement, should use extreme caution

when encountering a vehicle theft offender when either attempting to steal a vehicle

or catalytic converter or otherwise using a stolen vehicle. Many auto thieves are known

to be involved in crimes of violence, are armed, and have posed extreme risks to law

enforcement personnel, victims, and persons using our roadways.

● In support of the Wildly Important Goal (WIG) established by the Governor’s Office

and CDPS to reduce the statewide incidence of motor vehicle theft by 20%, CATPA

should consider funding initiatives to support this WIG with strategic planning for

Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025.

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Glossary of Terms

Active – (Actively Stolen) Stolen vehicles included in this report include vehicles entered

into the CCIC as a “stolen vehicle” message. The actual number of auto thefts in Colorado

is likely higher than reported, as some incidences of auto theft may not be reported to law

enforcement and/or law enforcement agencies may not have entered other stolen

vehicles into CCIC due to a stolen vehicle recovery occurring before completing the

jurisdiction’s reporting and processing procedures. (SVDR)

Inactive – (Recovery of a vehicle) Removals from the CCIC database occur from three

messages conducted by CCIC authorized users from the Originating Agency who

performed the initial entry. These three CCIC message keys are “clear”, “locate” and

“cancel” of the record. The “clear” (CV) and “locate” (LV) message is performed when a

vehicle has been located and is subsequently removed from the CCIC database.

Accordingly, a “clear” is supposed to be performed by the agency that entered the vehicle

and then subsequently recovered it. The “locate” is supposed to be performed when an

agency, other than the one who originally entered the vehicle into CCIC, has located the

vehicle. The “cancel” (XV) record is supposed to be performed when an agency discovers

the vehicle was not stolen, yet was originally recorded into CCIC as stolen, and thus

needs to be canceled. Current data processes/practices within the CCIC system treat the

CV, LV, and XV messages the same, regardless of the technical definitions. At present

time, ATICC does not have the technological advantage to ensure the appropriate

message keys to validate the purpose of the inactivation (e.g., cancellation, locate, or

clear.) (SVDR)

Case/Docket in Colorado Courts – Filed charges against a person in Colorado Courts.

Reported Stolen Vehicles – vehicles reported stolen into the Colorado Crimes

Information Center that the SVDR captures in Colorado.

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Endnotes

Department of Justice Review of the Transition of Law Enforcement Agencies to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS)

Colorado Crime Statistics; https

://coloradocrimestats.state.co.us/tops/report/mvt/colorado/2023

iii National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS)

https://www.nicb.org/news/news-releases/hot-spots-report-shows-vehicle-theft-rates-spiking-different-regions-us

NICB 2023 Vehicle Theft Trend Report; March 08, 2024 (Dissemination to member companies and law enforcement

This report is not published on open source.

vii

Colorado Courts data; 2020-2023

viii

Colorado Legal Resource; Lexis Nexis; Colorado Revised Statute, “Crime of Violence”

Colorado General Assembly; “SB23-097: Motor Vehicle Theft and Unauthorized Use” https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb23-097; Government website.

Colorado Legal Resource; Lexis Nexis; Colorado Revised Statute, “Crime of Violence”

Denver Crimes; https://denvercrimes.com/crime/robbery/robbery-car-jacking/by-date/2022

xii

https://www.flydenver.com/press-release/denver-international-airport-implements-strategy-to-minimize-auto-thefts/

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Auto Theft Intelligence Coordination Center

[email protected]o.us

BATTLE Commander | Investigative Services

Captain Ryan | michael.ryan@state.co.us

Unit Supervisor |Senior Criminal & Intelligence Analyst

Gina Jeffries | gina.jeffries@state.co.us