LANSING – The Michigan Automobile Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA) recently announced that auto thefts in Michigan have decreased 6.8 percent from 2010 to 2011.  Since the inception of the ATPA in 1986, auto thefts in Michigan have decreased by more than 65 percent.

“Our success in the battle against auto theft is the direct result of the dedication and efforts of the 110 men and women who are funded by grants awarded by the ATPA to Michigan law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorney’s offices and nonprofit community organizations,” said Dan Vartanian, executive director of the ATPA.  “Thanks also should be directed to our partners in the fight against auto theft: Crime Stoppers, HEAT (Help Eliminate Auto Thefts) and the many insurance industry investigators throughout the state.”

Additional auto theft statistics from 2011:

MICHIGAN’S MOST STOLEN

National Insurance Crime Bureau Data                  THIEVES FAVORITE CHOICES

Make/Model                                               Color

1.  2000 Dodge Caravan                                 1.  Black

2.  2004 Chevrolet Impala                             2.  White

3.  1997 Chevrolet Pickup                              3.  Red

4.  1997 Ford Taurus                                        4.  Blue

5.  2002 Dodge Intrepid                                 5.  Silver

6.  2005 Ford Pickup                                        6.  Green

7.  1997 Pontiac Grand Prix                           7.  Gray

8.  2011 Chevrolet Malibu                             8.  Maroon

9.  2002 Dodge Stratus                                   9.  Gold

10.  2003 Dodge Pickup                                 10.  Tan