Stolen/Abandoned Vehicle Contact Info/Procedures

[Hunter]

Thanks for the Sticky, Moderator.





Considering if we wheel anywhere around Arizona, odds are sooner or later you will run across a stolen or abandoned vehicle. I compiled a list of the surroundings County Sheriff's Offices and contacted the number's below. Each number listed is the non-emergency contact number. Keep in mind, if it is weekends or after-hours, it may take awhile for someone to answer.

Some things to remember when dealing with a possible stolen/abandoned vehicle.

1) Try to avoid touching the vehicle or disturbing the scene. Try to keep inspection to one person and "checking it out" as simple as possible.

Who knows what the story is. Could be important footprints of the owner who tried to walk out, if there is a search, it will start from there and do not want to disturb possible tracks.

2) DO NOT remove the VIN or other ID tags. Can be a tough call as a bad guy might snag it or a vandal, but it is the safer call. Write down the info or use a camera to take pictures of VIN tags or plates.

3) Make a good note of where the vehicle is to try and give the shortest, most accurate directions possible. GPS coordinates are good, but not all County Deputies have a GPS on them so dont just give coordinates.

4) Take note of the scene for evidence around the vehicle. Keep in mind if there were tools, personal belongings etc., around the vehicle. They may not be there when the Officer or Deputy arrives. But, if it turns out to be more complicated than a simple theft, those might be important clues. Also, why it is important to avoid walking around the vehicle anymore than necessary. A few quick clicks of the cell phone camera or digital pics would be a good idea.


What to expect when you call? You'll call in and say that you would like to report a possible stolen or abandoned vehicle. They will ask for your name, contact info and you will give a description of vehicle and location. The responding Deputy or Officer will head out and track it down. Keep in mind, it could be a day or 2 before the respond. If the Deputy has questions about location or if the case turns out to be more involved, they might call you for more info. So pictures of the scene, as you found it could prove to be very important.


Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
1-602-876-1000

Yavapai County Sheriff's Office
1-928-771-3260

Gila County Sheriff's Office
1-928-425-4449
1-800-635-8017


Pinal County Sheriff's Office
1-800-352-3796

Coconino County Sheriff's Office
1-800-338-7888

Mohave County Sheriff's Office
1-800-522-4312


La Paz County Sheriff's Office
1-928-669-6141

Yuma County Sheriff's Office
1-928-783-4427
1-800-361-7794

Pima County Sheriff's Office
1-520-741-4900

[tomfooshee]

Good post John, espically the part about not disturbing the scent or scene. The footrpints and scent items are extremely important for search and rescue. Even days old.

[Papa Mo]

Great info John....alot of things I did not know :aagh:

[Desert Dweller]

We went out on the Goldwater Range (west Vekol Valley) a couple of weekends ago. I got pictures of 8 abandoned Ford pickup trucks. All were between 1992 and 2002. Non had the ignition punched. A couple were torched. We got a glimpse of at least four more that I didn't photograph. Some had current plates and registration.

Of course, they are from illegals bringing in either people or drugs. A couple looked like they had been in a chase and lost it in the wash.

I am curious as to why they are all Fords of various years.

[arczech]

We went out on the Goldwater Range (west Vekol Valley) a couple of weekends ago. I got pictures of 8 abandoned Ford pickup trucks. All were between 1992 and 2002. Non had the ignition punched. A couple were torched. We got a glimpse of at least four more that I didn't photograph. Some had current plates and registration.

Of course, they are from illegals bringing in either people or drugs. A couple looked like they had been in a chase and lost it in the wash.

I am curious as to why they are all Fords of various years.

Apperently Fords are easier to break into, and, from my neighbors (2) that had there Fords stolen and broke into that is what PD told them

The other thing I can think of, is that there is a Mexican Ford P/U made there, Maybe that is what they know what to steal???????????????

[stevekim7d2]

Hey, good information, and always be aware the people who dumped the vehicles there may still be around ,and there are suddenly a lot of Catalytic converter thefts all of the suddden.

[familyxj]

We went out on the Goldwater Range (west Vekol Valley) a couple of weekends ago. I got pictures of 8 abandoned Ford pickup trucks. All were between 1992 and 2002. Non had the ignition punched. A couple were torched. We got a glimpse of at least four more that I didn't photograph. Some had current plates and registration.

Of course, they are from illegals bringing in either people or drugs. A couple looked like they had been in a chase and lost it in the wash.

I am curious as to why they are all Fords of various years.
Ford key systems aren't the best. A worn out or ground down Ford key will fit many door locks and many ignitions. All more the reason not to own a Ford? I love my jeep:)