2. Auto Theft Introduction
Current Auto Theft Squad roster:
Sergeant Debbie Backstrom
Detectives: Hiro Yamashita
Mannie Quinonez
Dan Kirchmeier
Michelle Barker
ASA 2 Tracey Puffer 

3. Crime Focus - Auto Theft (5 Min)
Auto Theft Trends
Lesson Learned
Auto Theft Screenings
Chop Shops and Drop Locations
Pro Active Investigations

4. Year to Date Monthly Average
Auto Theft
Precinct
Year to Date Monthly Average
Jan - April
2012
2013
2014
Year to Date
% of
Change*
North
102
131
194
32%
West 56 58 76
25%
East 48 36 62
43%
South 51 52 81
36%
Southwest 38 47 42
-11%
Number compiled from GO Events; As reported by T Puffer
(Averages above .5 are rounded up)
*Percent of change calculated from actual number of incidents not the averages

5. Auto Theft Trends
Vehicle Thefts of any vehicle started with “jiggler” key. Involved vehicles are: Toyota, Subaru, Honda, Saab, Nissan
Vehicle’s recovered with stolen items from burglaries, car prowls, and mail theft
Subaru Legacy station wagon is a favorite
Vehicle’s stolen with keys. Warming up in wintertime (“Puffer”), Valet, Burglary, Keys left in vehicle (spare key or construction worker to ease movement), unattended keys
Rise in License plate thefts. Caused by use of ALPR. Switch from unsuspecting owner of similar vehicle. Unknown victim until contact from police.
Returning with stolen keys at another time

6. “Jiggler” Keys

7. “Bump” Keys

8. Lessons Learned
Efficient use of personnel. Use of Master cases to consolidate cases. Fingerprint cases
Marginal arrest cases, does not meet KCPA guidelines-no evidence of theft
Working with Burglary Theft Squads and outside agencies.
Recent Bellevue PD information sharing of Kyle D, a suspect who victimized both cities.
Share information via Criminal information Bulletins, Homicide Investigation Tracking (HITS State Attorney General), Burglary Auto Theft (BAT list).

9. Auto Theft Screenings
Continue with screening. New SPD protocol regarding the theft of vehicles by known suspect, often a family member or ex spouse.
Craigslist Investigations-usually not successful.
Civil Property Dispute between unmarried couples. Question of having a “tenable claim” to the vehicle
Officer safety issue, also relieves SPD from civil liability for false arrest.
Screenings take from one hour to several days
Number of screenings down due to effect of new SPD policy

10. Chop Shops & Drop Locations
Have worked a small chop shop in South Seattle. VIN switched vehicles.
Crime analysis has more information as to drop locations.
Due to the volume of reports it is difficult for Sergeant to see anything other than obvious patterns.
Patrol Officers

11. Pro Active Investigations
Above chop shop
Subaru thief and narcotics user. Worked with Bellevue PD.
Has sold 12 stolen cars to scrap yards since Filed with KCPA on three occasions. Catch 22, still no decision.
Bryan T
Allen B and Jason P F 7300 block 16 AVE SW.
Use of Major Crimes Task Force

12. Contact Numbers Auto Theft Squad 206-684-8940
Sergeant Backstrom
Auto Theft Admin: T Puffer