APRIL 2025 | Spring Edition
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Chevrolet Silverados Were Thieves’ Top Choice in 2024
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Data from the Auto Crimes Tracking (ACT) database shows 929 Chevrolet Silverados (including Silverado, Silverado Medium Duty, Silverado LTD, Silverado HD, and Silverado LD) were stolen in 2024, making this model the #1 stolen vehicle in the state for each of the twelve months. While pickups are popular theft models (4 of the top 10 vehicles stolen in Arizona are pickups), Silverado models far outpace the GMC Sierra, Ford F150, and Dodge Ram that also occupy spots in the top 10. Nationally, Silverados rank #3 in the top 10 stolen vehicles in 2024.
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So, why are Silverados so popular with thieves? Detectives with the Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force report that some Silverado model years are more susceptible to theft due to manufacturer vulnerabilities. Additionally, these pickups are popular with crime groups in Mexico.
In some instances, the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) sees specific years and models of high-theft vehicles and can identify a vulnerability in security that makes them easier to steal, but the theft of Silverados is not confined in this way to specific model years. Silverados are overrepresented in Arizona’s theft totals across decades of the vehicle being manufactured. The top model years for stolen Silverados are 2005 and 2006, and early-year models seem to be more prevalent than newer models, but new
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Silverados are also stolen at a high rate. As shown in the graph above, these model-year Silverados were the top 10 most stolen in 2024.
A total of 614 Silverados were recovered in 2024, representing a recovery rate of 66%. This is a lower recovery percentage than the Arizona average of 69% for all vehicles stolen in Arizona in 2024.
The hotspots for Silverado theft appear to be central and north Phoenix and Glendale. These hotspots are not surprising, given that Phoenix, being the largest city, is always in the top areas for reported thefts, and Glendale is also a large city and frequently one of the top theft areas in the state.
The AATA encourages Silverado owners to recognize the popularity of their pickups among vehicle thieves and proactively take steps to avoid becoming victims. Parking smart – that is securing the vehicle in a garage or other enclosure – parking in a well-lit area, locking doors, taking keys, and never leaving the car running and unattended will decrease the likelihood of your beloved pickup being the next statistic.
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NCIB's 2024 Vehicle Theft Report Shows 17% Decline in U.S. Theft Rate
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The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) just released its 2024 data showing vehicle thefts in the United States declined by 17% in 2024, with reported cases dropping to 850,708. This marks the first time since 2021 that thefts have fallen below one million and represents the largest annual decrease in stolen vehicles in the last forty years.
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The most recent NICB report also ranks states based on the rate of theft and shows Arizona’s rate at 229.76 vehicles stolen for every 100,000 residents, which places Arizona 15th among U.S. states.
Despite the downward trend, some vehicles are still being targeted fairly often by thieves. The NICB reports two Hyundai models – the Elantra and Sonata – ranked #1 and #2 in the U.S. Kias and Hyundais are once again over-represented on the list due to the manufacturer's security vulnerability being exploited by thieves.
The most popular vehicles stolen in Arizona have remained very consistent over the past two years with Chevrolet Silverados holding the #1 spot. Not surprisingly, pick-ups remain very popular theft targets with four models making the top 10.
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Arizona vehicle thefts fell by 14% in 2024, marking a second straight year of decline.
Data compiled by the ACT database shows that Arizona had 17,010 vehicles reported stolen in 2024. This number represents 2,712 fewer stolen vehicles than the 19,722 reported stolen in 2023.
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Kia/Hyundai Class Action Settlement Deadline Fast Approaching
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Attention Kia/Hyundai Vehicle Owners/Lessees - If you purchased or leased a qualifying Kia or Hyundai vehicle and it was not equipped with an engine immobilizer (a feature that prevents the engine from starting unless the key is present), you may benefit from a class action settlement. The deadline to submit a claim is April 28, 2025. See qualifying vehicles and other important information at: https://kiatheftsettlement.com/submit-claim.
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AATA Announces FY25 Year-End Grant Funding Opportunity
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The AATA recently announced grant solicitations for FY25 year-end projects focused on vehicle theft enforcement, training, and prevention programs for Arizona law enforcement and criminal justice agencies through June 30, 2025. A total of $47,000 is available for all projects before June 30th. Grant extensions may be requested for additional time needed for procurement and program implementation beyond June 30th.
The AATA Board of Directors will review and approve grant awards at the June 20th meeting. For more information, visit the AATA’s grant info page: https://difi.az.gov/grants.
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Paradise Valley Police Department's 2025 Safety Fair
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Ann Armstrong and Officer Jimmy Phan, Paradise Valley Police Department
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On March 29th, AATA staff participated in the Paradise Valley Police Department’s 2025 Safety Fair, joining over 25 public safety organizations from across the state.
The event featured unique opportunities for the community to engage with law enforcement, learn about safety practices, and explore interactive displays and activities.
It was also a great event and opportunity to promote the AATA’s vehicle theft prevention programs and initiatives aimed to empower drivers to “Park Smart.”
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AATA Supports the 2025 PISA Conference
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The AATA will help sponsor the 35th Annual Policia Internacional Sonora Arizona (PISA) Conference* in Tucson from June 11-13, 2025. Learn more at: https://arizonapisa.org/conference/.
PISA comprises professionals from local, state, and federal agencies. Its mission is to enhance communication, strengthen partnerships, and foster collaboration between law enforcement officials in the United States, Mexico, and beyond. The AATA is pleased to support and participate in this year’s PISA Conference.
*Must be affiliated with a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency to attend.
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AATA 2025 Motorcycle Theft Prevention Campaign
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Did you know that 874 motorcycles were stolen in Arizona in 2024? Of those, only 412 have been recovered – a recovery rate of 47%. The AATA’s theft prevention campaign in April recognizing Arizona Bike Week (April 2-6) aims to remind motorcycle owners to keep their RIDES safe! 🏍️
Avoid the risk of theft and stay ahead of the curve with our expert tips on securing your ride:
1. Don't let thieves put a damper on your biking adventures!
2. Utilize manufacturer anti-theft devices like ignition locks.
3. Consider adding after-market security devices such as cable locks, alarms, or a kill switch.
4. Always park in well-lit areas.
5. Keep your bike in a garage (and locked!) when at home.
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AATA Welcomes New Executive Director, Daryll Willis
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Last month, the AATA welcomed new Executive Director Daryll Willis, who recently retired as a Captain with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) after serving the State of Arizona for 31 years. He began his career in 1993 as a trooper trainee in Prescott. After graduating from the academy in 1994, his first assignment was to his hometown of Douglas, but he also served as a trooper in Gila Bend, Buckeye, and the metro Phoenix area.
Director Willis was promoted to DPS Sergeant in 2006 and supervised patrol squads in the Highway Patrol Division and a narcotics squad in the Criminal Investigations Division. He also held administrative staff positions in the Highway Patrol Metro Bureau and the Criminal Investigations Division and served as an Investigative Sergeant in the Professional Standards Unit. Daryll was promoted to Captain in 2015 and served in the Major Offender District, the Strategic Resources
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District, and four years as the Deputy Director of the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center. His last assignment with DPS was as the Commander of the Highway Patrol Metro West District, the largest in highway/freeway miles and staffing in the metro Phoenix area.
On behalf of the AATA Board of Directors and staff, we wish a warm welcome to Director Willis as he joins the team!
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AATA Director, James McGuffin, Announces Retirement
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Director James McGuffin retired from the Arizona Automobile Theft Authority in March. He served as the Director of the AATA since 2019 following his retirement from DPS after 33 years of service.
The AATA Board and staff thank Director McGuffin for his leadership and contributions during his tenure and wish him a happy retirement after two distinguished public service careers.
Thank you Director McGuffin for your years of service.
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