What To Do if Your Car is Stolen

If you discover that your vehicle has been stolen, call the police immediately. Speed is essential in recovering stolen cars; and any delay in reporting only helps the thieves. Many times the initial report can be taken over the telephone; the quicker the police get information about the vehicle, the quicker your local patrol officers and other police departments across the county can locate your vehicle.

Here are a few other things you can do to help the police recover your car:

Always keep a copy of your vehicle registrations and insurance in a safe place. If your vehicle is equipped with unique after market items such as custom wheels or tires, after market add-ons or an after market stereo, keep these receipts and serial numbers handy as well. This will enable you to quickly relay valuable information to law enforcement if your vehicle is stolen.

Use discretion if you see someone tampering with your car. Call 911 as quickly as possible.

If you locate your vehicle after reporting it stolen, be aware that the thief may be nearby. don't touch or move the vehicle in order to preserve evidence and call the police immediately. If you recover your vehicle and fail to notify the police, your vehicle will continue to be listed as stolen and you may be stopped by police at gunpoint.

Please remember if your car is stolen, report the theft to your local law enforcement agency immediately.

If you have any questions about CTI, please contact:
Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Shaya Calvo
516 Third Avenue, W554
Seattle, WA 98104
(206 ) 296-9000
FAX: (206) 296-0955
E-Mail: shaya.calvo@kingcounty.gov

Dated: July 20, 2006