For the first time since 2020, Washington experienced a decline in auto thefts. Auto thefts were down 31% when compared to 2023, according to a report released by the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority (WATPA). Washington still ranks #7 nationwide in auto thefts per capita and #5 for total volume of auto thefts. The good news is there were 12,640 fewer victims of auto theft in 2024.
WATPA’s mission is to prevent and reduce vehicle theft in Washington. WATPA is managed in partnership with the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC). WATPA coordinates three task forces dedicated to solving auto theft cases. The task forces are located in Pierce/King Counties, Snohomish County and Spokane/Stevens counties. WATPA also underwrites two prosecutors in Clark County.
The reduction can be attributed to several factors: the hard work of vehicle crime investigators and task forces, aggressive prosecution, a change in the willingness to flee based on changes in pursuit law, technology upgrades including Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR), and public outreach to assist with education to protect vehicles from theft.
Tragically, another factor that investigators are reporting is that many prolific juvenile auto theft offenders have now been detained after having become involved in violent crimes. A high number of auto thefts in 2022 and 2023 involved juveniles, often stealing multiple vehicles. The number of juvenile auto theft offenders almost quadrupled between 2022 and 2023. Task forces report that while it was difficult to interview or detain these offenders, they have now been detained following serious violent crimes.
WATPA issued approximately $2.7 million in grants to 45 agencies between April – July 2024. Most of the grant money went toward ALPR technology along with Drone other technologies aimed at reducing pursuits and enhancing auto theft investigations.
While Washington experienced a much-needed decrease in auto theft, there is still work to be done. WATPA will continue to work with all stakeholders to reduce the incidents of auto theft as well as stolen vehicles being used to perpetuate violent crime.
WATPA is seeking an increase in funding during the 2025-2027 biennial budget process to further address vehicle crime in the State of Washington with some funds being used to assist victims of vehicle crime. WATPA is optimistic that utilizing the existing resources coupled with technology implemented in 2024 will further reduce instances of vehicle crime in Washington.
Source: Washington Association for Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC)
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
