Auto Theft
Auto Theft is comprised of three detectives and a detective sergeant. The unit performs follow-up for theft of motor vehicles of all types, theft of vehicle parts and all criminal incidents of property damage.
For information regarding licensing and regulation of automobile dealerships, salespeople, crushers, transporters, dismantlers and body shops, as well as motor vehicle fraud and other vehicle title issues, please visit the website of the Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division (MVED) of the Utah State Tax Commission.
Auto Theft FAQs
Q: I think my vehicle was stolen. What should I do?- Ensure the vehicle was not taken by a family member who is authorized to use it.
- If you are late making payments on the vehicle, contact your lender to find out if the vehicle was repossessed.
- If you are confident the vehicle was taken without authorization, contact SLCPD dispatch at (801) 799-3000 to file a theft report.
- If checks or credit cards were left inside your vehicle, contact the issuing bank as soon as possible to prevent unauthorized charges. If a cell phone was in the vehicle, contact the carrier to cancel service.
Q: What information will I need to provide when filing the theft report?
- The time, date and location the vehicle was last seen.
- The time and date you discovered the theft.
- The vehicle description, license plate number and issuing state.
- The owner's name, address and contact phone numbers.
Q: What happens with the information I provide?
A theft report will be completed by the receiving officer and you will receive a case/report number. The vehicle information will be provided to SLCPD Records for listing on a national theft database. The contact information you provide will be used to notify you when the vehicle is recovered.
Q: How are stolen vehicles recovered?
A: If an officer checks the license plate or VIN which has been listed on the national theft database, the officer will receive notice that the vehicle has been reported stolen. The officer can then take action to recover the vehicle.
Q: Will I be notified when my stolen vehicle is recovered?
A: If the SLCPD recovers your stolen vehicle, you will be contacted so you can retrieve it from the recovery scene. Keep in mind the vehicle may be recovered on a weekend or at night. The officer will wait a reasonable amount of time for your arrival, considering other calls for service. Vehicles recovered by police agencies other than SLCPD will be subject to that agency's procedure.
If the SLCPD is unable to contact an owner for recovery notification, the vehicle will be impounded for safekeeping. The owner will be responsible for towing and storage fees to retrieve the vehicle from impound.
If your vehicle is impounded, the follow-up SLCPD detective will notify you of the impound location.
Q: What should I do if I find my own stolen vehicle?
A: If your vehicle is reported as stolen to the SLCPD and you find the vehicle or obtain information on the vehicle's location, ensure you notify SLCPD dispatch so it can be removed from the national theft database.
If someone is in your vehicle, do not confront them. Notify dispatch and provide location updates and suspect description if it is safe to do so.
Q: What are some theft prevention tips?
- Never leave a vehicle unattended with the engine running or the keys inside.
- Do not store wallets, purses, cell phones, electronics or other valuables in a vehicle.
- Use a steering wheel or brake pedal anti-theft device. Employ the device according to the manufacturer's instructions.
For information regarding licensing and regulation of automobile dealerships, salespeople, crushers, transporters, dismantlers and body shops, as well as motor vehicle fraud and other vehicle title issue, please visit the website of the Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division (MVED) of the Utah State Tax Commission.