Thieves generally steal cars to sell intact or as parts. When a car is stolen to be sold later, it is often stored in a parking garage (to insulate the thief if the car is armed with Lojack). Eventually, the car is “revinned,” which means the vehicle identification number (VIN) is changed and new paperwork is produced to make the stolen car appear legitimately available for sale. Many vehicles that are too “hot” to sell locally, or for which there is no local market, are shipped overseas to foreign markets.

Vehicles stolen for parts are also frequently stored in parking garages prior to being transported to local "chop shops." At these shops, vehicles that are not "altered" for resale are dismantled and sold in pieces.

Bronx Anti-Auto Theft Program

The Office of the Bronx District Attorney has operated the Bronx Anti-Auto Theft Program since 1995. The program, which is supported by state grants, was designed to increase the number of successful prosecutions of defendants charged with grand larceny of a motor vehicle, criminal possession of stolen property, illegal possession of a vehicle identification number, auto stripping and/or unauthorized use of a vehicle. It was also expected to result in an increased number of stolen cars recovered pursuant to arrests being made and/or search warrants being executed. Although the program has been very successful, in 2003 (the most recent year for which statewide statistics are available) auto theft in Bronx County remained at the highest rate per 100,000 registered vehicles in the state and second highest rate per 100,000 population.

In the last six years, the program has been expanded to include document fraud and insurance fraud. In 1999, we expanded our effort to include night‑time surveillance and investigations of auto‑related crimes. This expansion was made possible through a series of grants from the New York State Motor Vehicle Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention Board, which provide funds for equipment, investigators and prosecutors.

The sophisticated technology acquired through these grants is used by trained investigators, who work with assistant district attorneys skilled in and dedicated to prosecuting these cases.

The Detective Investigators (DIs) have collaborated for several years with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in an operation aimed at recovering stolen vehicles stored in public parking garages. In 1999, the DIs began to target additional garages on their own. In 2005, these garage searches resulted in the recovery of 234 vehicles valued at $2,853,500.

In addition to these activities, detectives have worked at night with NYPD officers from various Bronx precincts at auto theft/safety checkpoints. They also searched garages at night. In 2005, these garage searches resulted in the recovery of an additional 20 vehicles valued at $360,660.

Individuals in the business of dismantling stolen cars and selling the parts often run highly sophisticated and lucrative businesses. To apprehend these thieves and close down their businesses requires a combination of specialized equipment and detective work. The anti-auto theft grants have provided the resources necessary to put the two together.

Frauds

While insurance fraud is a serious problem that is reflected in increased cost to consumers, many times the victim of fraud is one individual. Perpetrators of fraud usually target individuals who are unable or unwilling to complain because of personal circumstances (e.g., immigration status). Large corporations and municipalities are also common targets.

Elder Abuse

“Elder abuse” can take many forms, including neglect or abuse of a physical, financial, psychological, emotional or sexual nature. Although anyone can be a victim of crime, age may render victims physically weak, physically or emotionally isolated or mentally disabled. These conditions increase the trauma of victimization and make the criminal justice system more difficult to negotiate. The Bronx District Attorney’s Office hired an Elder Abuse Coordinator in 2000 to serve as a liaison among the bureaus and units of the Office, obtain services from outside agencies and serve as a resource for educating the community. The Coordinator handled 240 calls in 2005 regarding suspected elder abuse and neglect and is often the first point of contact for elder abuse inquiries.

In 1998, the Bronx District Attorney formed an elder abuse committee to develop strategies to enhance prosecution in elder abuse cases and to increase the coordination of services to elderly victims. As an outgrowth of this committee, an Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Task Force was created in 2001. The complexities of elder mistreatment and neglect necessitate a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. The Task Force is co-chaired by the Elder Abuse Coordinator at the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, the Assistant Director of ElderServe Licensed Home Care Services Agency of the Hebrew Home for the Aged at Riverdale and the Bronx Borough Director of Adult Protective Services. This bimonthly gathering of law enforcement, social service, healthcare, financial, business, governmental and private agencies enables the sharing of expertise and facilitates the coordination of efforts to prevent, investigate and remedy the abuse of our most vulnerable seniors.

In 2005, staff from the District Attorney’s Office participated in the New York City Council Aging Committee’s hearing on Elder Abuse-Financial Crimes. Staff also participated in elder abuse training seminars for case workers at Bronx Adult Protective Services that covered such issues as how to maximize cooperation in an effort to eliminate abusive situations. Office staff also led a workshop at the annual Adult Abuse Conference of New York State titled, “How to Make an Elder Abuse Referral to a District Attorney’s Office: Elements Needed for a Successful Prosecution.”

The Bronx District Attorney’s Office was recently selected to become a CASE Model Site (Communities Against Senior Exploitation). The CASE partnership is an elder fraud prevention and intervention program. It links the Bronx District Attorney’s Office with over 20 sites across the country that are working with faith-based communities to combat elder fraud and exploitation. As part of this program, staff from the District Attorney’s Office conduct training in the community using CASE resource materials. This program is staffed by volunteers from the Office.