Our primary mission is to recover stolen vehicles, and arrest auto theft suspects. We also strive to investigate cases in a timely manner, obtain successful prosecution, and educate the public in reference to auto theft prevention.

The Auto Theft Detail's responsibilities are two fold. To conduct follow-up investigations/recovery efforts and, to reduce auto theft rates through community awareness. Our Case Carrying Detectives were responsible for conducting follow-up investigations on over 30,000 reports in 2006.

ISecurity Tips

To help you keep your vehicle, follow these helpful reminders:

• Park in well-lit areas with pedestrian traffic.
• Lock your vehicle, roll up the windows and take your keys with you.
• Hide valuables in a secure location, such as the trunk, under the seat or any place out of view.
• Consider using a steering-wheel locking device to help secure your vehicle.
• Consider installing a security alarm system for your vehicle.
• Consider installing a tracking device in your vehicle to help recover it if it is stolen.
• Consider VIN etching the windows of your vehicle.
• NEVER leave your keys in an unattended vehicle.
• NEVER leave the title to your vehicle inside your vehicle.

What to do if your car is stolen.

Inform your local police department immediately.  Criminals often use stolen vehicles to commit other crimes. You will also be required to fill out a Stolen Vehicle Affidavit.

Stolen Vehicle Affidavit

When reporting your vehicle stolen, a Stolen Vehicle Affidavit is required. The reporting officer will provide you with the affidavit at the time of the report. If your stolen vehicle report is taken over the phone, then you may download the affidavit form from this web site. Complete and Notarize* the form and then send it to

Phoenix Police Department
Auto Theft Detail
620 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003

* If you fail to notarize your mail-in affidavit, the form will be returned to you for notarization. This may result in a delay in the investigation of your stolen vehicle report.

Is this vehicle stolen?

Attorney General Terry Goddard has announced an Internet service that enables citizens to type into their computers a license plate number or Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to find out immediately if a car has been stolen.

Citizens can access the service at www.theftaz.azag.gov. In addition to computers, cell phones that have Internet access can also be used to check a vehicle's status.