Auto theft is an issue that affects all of us. For the victim, it means loss of transportation which affects the ability to get to work or school and limits childcare options. For the rest of us in can lead to increased insurance premiums, increased travel risk created by fleeing stolen vehicles, and decreased availability of law enforcement resources assigned to conduct theft investigations.

The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s (BCA) Automobile Theft Prevention Program works to reduce vehicle theft incidents through a combination of public awareness campaigns, community outreach, law enforcement efforts and technology solutions to deter thieves and recover stolen vehicles. The program includes:

• Developing and sponsoring the implementation of statewide plans, programs and strategies to combat auto theft. 
• Improving administration of auto theft laws. 
• Providing a forum for identifying critical problems for people dealing with automobile theft. 

Automobile Theft Prevention Grant Program

A key component of the Automobile Theft Prevention Program is the administration of the Automobile Theft Prevention Grant Program. The BCA oversees the awarding of grant funds to county attorney's offices, law enforcement agencies, neighborhood organizations, community organizations and business organizations that are committed to combatting auto theft. 

The program provides funds for local projects that aid in:

• Identification of critical law enforcement issues related to auto theft
• Auto theft education for law enforcement officers and residents
• Investigation and prosecution of auto theft suspects
• Collaboration between law enforcement agencies working to reduce auto theft
• Prevention of auto thefts which result in lower auto insurance premium

Many efforts have been supported by this program, including: 

• Jail interviews of known suspects and associates that yield a high rate of recovery and charges
• Increased crime scene processing of recovered stolen vehicles
• Mobile and stationary license plate readers that allow law enforcement to fight auto theft without hiring additional officers

Automobile Theft Prevention Grants prioritize areas of the state where automobile theft is most problematic and support Greater Minnesota law enforcement.

Program background

The Minnesota Legislature created the Automobile Theft Prevention Grant Program in 1996. The program is funded from a surcharge collected from automobile insurance carriers that provide comprehensive insurance coverage issued in Minnesota. The surcharge is 50 cents per vehicle for every six months of coverage. Using this funding, the program makes money available through a competitive grant process for activities that address the problem of auto theft.

Contact the BCA at bca.autotheftgrant@state.mn.us for questions about the grant application process.

Equipment Lending Library

The BCA supports efforts to curb automobile theft by providing a library of equipment that is available to law enforcement agencies to assist with theft prevention efforts.

Law enforcement agencies can contact the BCA at bca.equipment@state.mn.us with questions or to request use of equipment.

Annual reports

Read annual reports summarizing Automobile Theft Prevention Program activities.