42N-Motor Vehicle Theft 2019 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Policy & Procedure Page 1 of 7 Lexington Police Department Subject: Motor Vehicle Theft Policy Number: 42N Accreditation Standards: Reference: Effective Date: 11/1/10  New  Revised Revision Dates: 1/24/19 By Order of: Mark J. Corr, Chief of Police The Municipal Police Institute, Inc. (MPI) is a private, nonprofit charitable affiliate of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association. MPI provides training and model policies and procedures for police agencies. This policy is an edited version of MPI Policy 2.12, “Motor Vehicle Theft.” GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND GUIDELINES This policy applies to stolen motor vehicles and stolen vehicle registration plates. Auto theft is one of the most aggravating and, without doubt, one of the costliest crimes confronting both the police and the public. The related crime of using an automobile without the authority of the owner has also increased public frustration and inconvenience. For police purposes, auto theft and unauthorized use of motor vehicles can be divided into five categories: joy riding; use in the commission of a crime; stripping and "chop shops"; professional car theft; and defrauding the insurance company. All citizens of the community should be constantly reminded to lock their vehicles, take their keys, and avoid leaving valuables in open view in parked automobiles. It is the policy of the Lexington Police Department to:  Reduce the opportunity for the crime of motor vehicle thefts by being alert and patrolling areas where thefts are likely to occur;  Continue its dedication to the speedy apprehension and conviction of criminals; and  Educate citizens in crime prevention measures that can reduce motor vehicle theft.