Arvada PD Took Part in Puffer Week
CATI lead a concentrated effort by law enforcement agencies across the state to prevent puffer crimes by issuing warnings and citations to drivers who left their vehicles running unattended. In a recent CAAT survey, 35 percent of Coloradans admitted they didn’t realize the practice is illegal.
Statewide Efforts to Reduce "Puffers"
Targeted statewide efforts to step-up puffer enforcement for one designated week contributed to greater public awareness of CAAT’s winter puffer campaign that launched in December.
Radio spots, RTD bus boards, billboards in both Denver and El Paso County, and gas pump toppers reinforced messages to warn drivers about puffers.
Additionally, educational materials were distributed by auto theft task forces in communities across the state. CATI represents one of the many partners that make up the CAAT coalition, which receives funding from the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA) to combat auto theft through on-going statewide public awareness campaigns, education and citizen engagement.
“’Puffing’
is a common practice during the cold, winter months, because people
want to start their cars to warm them up for a few minutes before they
actually leave the house or to run a quick errand,” said Colonel James
Wolfinbarger, Chief Colorado State Patrol. “Most people don’t realize
that not only is this practice an invitation to car thieves, but it
is also illegal in the state of Colorado. ‘Puffer Week’ is an opportunity
to remind people to take common sense measures to protect themselves
and their vehicles.”
At least 40 percent
of Colorado drivers admit they have left their car running while unattended
and 50 percent of stolen cars have the keys in them (CAAT survey and
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). As part of a larger
effort to reduce these statistics, task forces around the state have
plans to take part in “Puffer Week.” For example, the Metropolitan
Auto Theft Task Force (MATT) will focus its efforts on education and
citizen notification.
“As a member of
CATI and CAAT, our goal is to not only arrest the car thieves, but also educate citizens on what they can do to reduce
their chances of becoming a victim of auto theft,”
remarked Sgt. Mike Becker, Lakewood Police Department and MATT Commander.
“CAAT provided educational flyers and window clings that we will place
on parked vehicles around the community as a reminder for citizens to
stay alert and protect themselves.”
CAAT COALITION PARTNERS
- AAA Colorado
- Attorney General’s Auto Theft Prosecution Initiative
- Auto Theft Intelligence Coordination Center
- Boulder County Auto Theft Prevention Program
- Colorado Auto Theft Investigators
- Commerce City/Thornton/Adams County Auto Theft Prevention Program
- Denver Metropolitan Auto Theft Team (DMATT)
- East Metro Auto Theft Team (EMATT) - Robert Friel, 303-739-6022
- LoJack
- Metropolitan Auto Theft Task Force (MATT) - Steve Davis, 303-987-7196
- National Insurance Crime Bureau
- Regional Auto Theft Team of Northern Colorado (NRATT)
- Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association
- South Area Auto Theft Task Force
- Southern Colorado Motor Vehicle Theft Task Force Cdr. Mike Haley, 719-382-8555
- Southwest Regional Auto Theft Team (SWATT) - Steve Nowlin, 970-385-1675 x 51808
- Western Colorado Auto Theft Task Force (WCATT) - Kate Porras, 970-244-3601
About Colorado Auto Theft Investigators (CATI)
Colorado Auto Theft
Investigators (CATI) brings together public law enforcement investigators,
and insurance company investigators, who are concerned with the prevention
and investigation of motor vehicle thefts and kindred crimes; to promote
the exchange of investigative information; and to create a forum for
better communication among investigators in Colorado, the Rocky Mountain
Region and the Nation.
About Coloradans Against Auto Theft (CAAT):
Coloradans Against Auto Theft (CAAT) is a statewide auto theft prevention initiative to educate the public on what they can do to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of auto theft. CAAT is a coalition of law enforcement agencies, the Colorado State Patrol, insurance partners, LoJack and AAA Colorado. CAAT and the state auto theft task force efforts are funded in part by the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority (CATPA).
