Info:
(412)  255-2911

Tip Line:
412-255-2911

The ATPA also has a website where consumers can access helpful tips on prevention--www.watchyourcar.org--or consumers can call the ATPA, toll free at 1-888-777-ATPA.

Let's put a stop to Auto Theft.  We can all help.

1. Tips for Preventing General Car Theft
2. Tips for Preventing Carjacking
3. Tips for Avoiding the Accidental Purchase of a Stolen Vehicle
4. Participate in the BAT Program
5. VIN Etching

Tips for Preventing General Car Theft

1. Park in well lit area whenever possible
2. Do not leave personal identification in the car, including registration/insurance cards/credit card gas receipts
3. Keep all valuables locked in the trunk and out of view
4. Never leave your car running and unattended, not even a minute

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Carjacking Prevention Tips:

1. Lock your car doors, even while driving. Many carjackings occur at red lights, stop signs or drive-thrus.
2. When going to the gas station, turn off your car and lock your doors when going to pay the attendant.
3. When returning to your parked car, be aware of the surroundings. Glance in the back seat and under the car before opening car doors.
4. Install an anti-theft device that has a panic button you can activate if you sense trouble.
5. Drive in the center lane when on highways; this reduces your chances of becoming a bump and run theft victim.

For more information about carjacking--what it is and why thieves do it--visit the carjacking portion of the Types of Auto Theft page.

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Don't Let A Vehicle Thief Take You for A Ride: Consumer Tips

1. Look closely at the VIN plate, located on the driver's side of the dashboard, to see if it appears tampered.
2. Never buy a used car without getting the vehicle s title or pink slip in person; and double check the vehicle Identification number with the number listed on the title, the registration papers and the federal certification label on the driver's side door.
3. Ask to see identification of the person who is selling you the car; write down his/her name, address, phone number and drivers license number for your records.
4. Call the phone number given to you by the vehicle's owner. Often, scam artists will provide the phone number of a random pay phone.

For more information about VIN switching--what it is and how criminals use it--visit the VIN switching portion of the Types of Auto Theft page.

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VIN Etching

What is VIN etching?  Its having the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of your vehicle gently etched into all windows of your vehicle, using an etching stencil and gel. The VIN etching event is a cooperative effort of ATPA, Auto Theft Prosecution Unit of Allegheny County, Pittsburgh Police Auto Squad, the PA State Police Western Regional Auto Theft Task Force and Insurance Companies- all working to prevent vehicle theft in Central Pennsylvania.

VIN etching is a deterrent, just like locking your car or using a steering wheel lock.  Why do car thieves avoid a V.I.N. etched car?  Because, if a thief steals a car with V.I.N. etching on it, all the glass of the vehicle must be replaced before the vehicle can be "properly" disposed of. In many cases, replacing all the glass of an automobile can cost upwards to $3000! This is an expense most thieves don't want to incur, so they take another vehicle that is easier to dispose of with "better economics" for them! Chop shop rings thrive on vehicles that have easily removable VINs or none etched on at all.

VIN etching is harmless to windows and doesn't detract from the visual appeal of a vehicle.

For anyone interested in getting their vehicle etched and want help finding a company type (VIN+Etch+Pittsburgh) into any search engine and check the results.

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