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The Sheriff's Combined Auto Theft Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional task force which encompasses 17 counties in Texas. We cover the following counties; Travis, Hays, Comal, Wharton, Colorado, Lee, Milam, Bell, Blanco, Burnet, Bastrop, Fayette, Guadalupe, Austin, Caldwell, Llano, and Gonzales (bold counties have agents assigned to them). With eight agents and one sergeant, we have personnel assigned to seven counties. The task force is headquartered in Travis County, but the agents are stationed in the county that they represent. Agents work cases from their county and counties that they are assigned. When one agent needs assistance, the task force comes together and works as a group.
We actively work highway interdiction and have proven to be successful at doing so. Chevrolet Trucks and trailers make up a large number of vehicles that we recover during interdiction operations. One of our favorite locations to work interdiction is Interstate 35 in Comal County. It’s rare not to recover several vehicles heading south bound on 35. Some of these vehicles have been purchased by innocent purchasers, but many are with the actual suspects. Highway 59 in Wharton County is quickly becoming a favorite location to work as well.
Public Awareness is a high priority to the Task Force. We speak to civic groups about auto theft and hold VIN etchings. We have received great response with the VIN Etchings. Dealerships charge upwards of $100.00 to etch the vehicles identification number on the glass, but we do it free as a service to the public.
Most patrol officers are not trained in auto theft. It’s not something that is taught heavily in most police academies. We have put together several training classes for patrol officers. The classes give officers the knowledge and tools to locate and recover stolen vehicles, ATV’s and construction equipment. We have a 4 hour class and an 8 hour class.
Currently one of our busiest tasks has become completing TXDOT inspections. Whenever an individual attempts to register a trailer, and it has no VIN or the individual is claiming it to be homemade, they are given an inspection form (VTR 68-a). TXDOT mandates that these inspections and forms must be completed only by trained auto theft investigators. Many of the smaller counties don’t have auto theft units and go ahead and complete the forms. If the forms are sent to TXDOT, they send it back and an auto theft investigator has to re inspect the vehicle. The other concern is an officer that is not trained in vehicle theft doesn’t always identify the vehicle as stolen or altered.
We are funded by a grant through the Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority. One dollar per insured vehicle is sent to the Auto Theft Prevention Authority. They in turn review applications and assign the money as grants to auto theft task forces across the state. The Sheriff’s are greatly appreciative of the program and the resources that are available to them.
The Sheriff's Combined Auto Theft Task Force is available as a resource to any department. If you have any questions or need any assistance, please call. The main task force number is 512-854-9735 or you can email us through the contact button.
If you would like to schedule a training class, click on the contact button to send an email.
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If you need to report a vehicle stolen, contact your local Law Enforcement Agency. If it is an emergency dial 911. |