Auto Theft Investigation

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary objective of a criminal investigation in auto theft?

To determine if auto theft fraud has occurred

To identify and explain common motives for auto theft (correct)

To recover stolen vehicles

To identify the VIN of the vehicle

Which of the following is a characteristic of 'Joy Riding' auto theft?

Selling the stolen vehicle for profit

Using the vehicle for criminal activity

Stealing accessories and selling them

Driving the vehicle for a short time and then abandoning it (correct)

Where are VINs typically located on U.S.-produced vehicles?

On the trunk lid

On the dashboard

On the doorjamb or dashboard (correct)

On the engine block

What is the purpose of determining the year of a vehicle using the VIN?

To identify the make and model of the vehicle Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an exception to the normal placement of VINs on U.S.-produced vehicles?

Imported vehicles Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for stealing accessories from a vehicle?

Petty theft Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason for vehicles to be stolen and resold?

Insurance fraud Signup and view all the answers

What is a technique used by thieves to steal vehicles?

Using a slim jim to unlock the door Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of damaging the locking mechanism of the ignition switch?

To make it easier to wire the ignition Signup and view all the answers

What is a common location where vehicles are stolen from?

Shopping centers Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of checking the financial status of a vehicle owner?

To investigate fraudulent insurance claims Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the check digit in a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

To verify the authenticity of the VIN Signup and view all the answers

What is a common indicator that a vehicle may be stolen?

A broken steering column Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of inspecting the glove box and trunk of a vehicle?

To search for evidence of theft Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?

To identify the vehicle's make and model Signup and view all the answers

What is a common method used by thieves to make stolen vehicles appear legitimate?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Auto Theft Investigation

Objectives

Identify and explain common motives for auto theft
Identify commonly used auto theft techniques and methods
Identify the procedure for determining if auto theft fraud has occurred
Identify the year of the vehicle involved, given a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from an American-made vehicle
Identify where VIN's are located and how they are attached for U.S.-produced vehicles

Theft Categories (Motives)

Joy Riding
- Usually involves young offenders
- Vehicle is driven for a short time and then abandoned
- Accessories are sometimes removed and sold
Use in Crime
- Vehicle is used for transportation to the scene of another crime or for actual use in a crime
- Eliminates the possibility of being identified through the license plate of the vehicle
Stripping
- Removal of parts and accessories for personal use or resale
- VIN is often hidden
Resale
- Theft for insurance reasons
- Example: John Canard and his jeep

Common Auto Theft Techniques

Keys Left in Ignition

Thief looks for parked vehicles with keys left in the ignition
Often targets convenience stores and shopping centers

Slim Jim/Ignition Defeating Device

Device used to manipulate door lock and gain access to the vehicle
Can be hand-made
Once inside, thief uses tool to damage ignition switch

Window Smash

Thief breaks vehicle window to gain access
Ignition switch is then defeated

Auto Theft Fraud

Owner-initiated fraud for financial gain
Examples: wrecked vehicle, insurance gain
Often reported from large shopping centers
Fraud cases can be difficult to prove due to lack of witnesses and crime scene evidence

Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN)

Explanation

Characters are read from left to right
Position #1: Country of manufacture
Position #2: Manufacturing company
Position #3: Make of Vehicle
Position #4 and 5: Car line/series
Position #6: Body style
Position #7: Restraint codes
Position #8: Engine type
Position #9: Check digit
Position #10: Model year
Position #11: Plant location
Positions #12-17: Production sequence number

VIN Locations

Dashboard
Driver's Door
Engine block
Attached by Rosette Rivet on U.S.-made GMC, Ford, Chrysler, and AMC vehicles since 1975

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Description

This quiz covers the investigation of auto theft, including motives, techniques, and procedures for determining fraud. It also covers Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) and their importance in auto theft cases.