Arizona has witnessed a concerning rise in car thefts and vehicle break-ins recently, prompting the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) to revitalize a proven program from the past: the “Watch Your Car” program. This initiative, popular in the 1990s, is being brought back to the forefront as a proactive measure to deter criminals and protect vehicle owners across the state.
Fred Zumbo, the Executive Director of the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority, emphasizes the program’s previous success and its potential to address current challenges. Enrolling in the “Watch Your Car” program is a simple yet effective step that empowers law enforcement to play a more active role in preventing auto theft.
How the “Watch Your Car” Program Works
The core mechanism of the “Watch Your Car” program is straightforward: voluntary registration allows law enforcement officers to stop vehicles displaying program decals between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. without requiring any other cause. This isn’t about harassment; it’s a focused approach to verify the driver’s identity and ensure the vehicle is being operated legitimately. These stops are intended to be brief and serve as a visible deterrent to potential thieves.
Currently, approximately 35,000 Arizona residents are enrolled in the “Watch Your Car” program. While many cities and counties across Arizona are active participants, discrepancies exist. Notably, major cities like Phoenix, Chandler, and Gilbert have indicated they are not currently participating, despite some online resources suggesting otherwise. This lack of uniform participation is a challenge the AATA is working to overcome.
Zumbo expressed his disappointment regarding the inconsistent participation, attributing part of the issue to a generational shift within law enforcement. Newer officers may not be fully aware of the “Watch Your Car” program’s history and effectiveness, as it was established in the 1990s when Arizona faced a severe auto theft crisis, ranking number one nationally. Through dedicated efforts, Arizona significantly reduced auto thefts, moving down to around 15th in the national ranking. However, the AATA is determined to prevent a resurgence of past problems.
The Urgency to Prevent Auto Theft Rebound
The concern is real: Arizona does not want to revert to its past position as the auto theft capital of the nation. Maricopa County, being the most populous, currently leads in vehicle thefts within Arizona. However, these crimes have broader implications. Stolen vehicles, particularly pick-up trucks and SUVs from the Phoenix metro area, are frequently used in serious criminal activities, including drug and human smuggling along the border.
While advancements in vehicle technology have made cars harder to steal through traditional methods, a significant portion of thefts are attributed to owner negligence. According to Zumbo, a common scenario involves unlocked vehicles with keys left inside. Even the most sophisticated anti-theft systems are ineffective if basic security measures are ignored.
Amanda O’Halloran, an Executive Assistant at the Arizona Auto Theft Authority, showcases the program’s decal on her Jeep, emphasizing its reflective properties.
These decals are designed to be highly reflective at night, specifically to catch the attention of law enforcement officers during the program’s designated hours of 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. Beyond assisting law enforcement, the decals themselves act as a visual deterrent.
O’Halloran stresses that the program aims to send a clear message to potential car thieves: vehicles displaying the “Watch Your Car” decal are owned by vigilant individuals who are likely to report any suspicious activity immediately. The program is already established and readily available for residents to utilize as a proactive security measure.
A Layered Approach to Vehicle Security
The Arizona Auto Theft Authority, funded by insurance premiums, channels resources into grants for local and state law enforcement agencies to implement auto theft prevention initiatives. The “Watch Your Car” decal program is presented as part of a comprehensive, “layered approach” to vehicle protection. This multi-faceted strategy encompasses various levels of security measures:
Layer One: Basic Preventative Measures
- Lock Your Car: A staggering statistic reveals that approximately half of all stolen vehicles were left unlocked.
- Remove Keys and Fobs: Never leave keys inside the vehicle or hide spare keys within the car, as experienced thieves know common hiding spots. Nearly 20% of stolen vehicles had keys readily available inside.
- Park in Well-Lit Areas: Auto thefts predominantly occur during nighttime hours, making well-lit parking locations a deterrent.
- Avoid Leaving Vehicles Running Unattended: Never leave your car running if you step out, even for a moment.
- Secure Valuables: Do not leave valuables in plain sight within your vehicle. Hide them or remove them altogether.
Layer Two: Visible and Audible Deterrents
- Audible Alarms: Car alarms remain an effective way to deter thieves and attract attention.
- Steering Wheel/Pedal Locks: These physical locks provide a visible and physical barrier, making theft more difficult and time-consuming.
- VIN Window Etching: Etching your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) onto windows makes the vehicle less attractive to thieves as it becomes harder to resell and parts become traceable.
- “Watch Your Car” Decals: As discussed, these decals serve as a visual warning and facilitate law enforcement checks during specific hours.
Layer Three: Immobilization Technologies
- Vehicle Immobilizers: These systems prevent thieves from bypassing the ignition and hot-wiring the vehicle, adding a layer of electronic security.
- Smart Keys: Modern smart keys incorporate transponder technology that communicates with the vehicle, preventing unauthorized starts.
- Fuse Cut-offs and Kill Switches: These devices allow owners to manually disable critical electrical circuits, preventing the vehicle from starting.
- Starter, Ignition, and Fuel Disablers: These systems offer various methods to electronically or mechanically disable key vehicle functions, hindering theft.
Layer Four: Advanced Recovery Systems
- Tracking Systems: GPS-based tracking systems enable law enforcement to locate and recover stolen vehicles quickly, increasing the chances of vehicle retrieval and apprehension of criminals.
Enroll and Contribute to a Safer Arizona
Enrolling in the “Watch Your Car” program is free and accessible to all Arizona residents at www.AzWatchYourCar.com. By participating in this program and adopting the recommended layered security measures, Arizona residents can collectively contribute to making their communities safer and reducing the incidence of auto theft across the state. The program represents a valuable partnership between citizens and law enforcement, working together to protect vehicles and combat crime.
