The State Patrol Vehicle Crimes Unit investigates motor vehicle theft, complaints of fraudulent activities by new and used motor vehicle dealers, and foreign state registration violations (failure to register vehicles in Minnesota that are based in this state).

 

Most of the cases investigated originate as complaints from citizens. Allied law enforcement agencies also refer cases to this unit because of the knowledge and expertise of the troopers in this unit in investigating motor vehicle crime.

 

The unit is comprised of six sergeants:

They prioritize cases by the dollar value of the loss involved and the seriousness of the crimes alleged to have been committed.

 

The State Patrol Vehicle Crime Unit originated in 1998 in response to vehicular fraud and tax evasion in the area of vehicle titles and registration. The Minnesota Legislature allocated resources for troopers with the charge to secure lost revenue by seeking resident violators who register their vehicles in another state and to investigate motor vehicle dealers that were committing fraud.

 

Reach the Vehicle Crimes Unit by phone at 763-279-4000.