Hunter
06-30-2008, 12:36 AM
This was originally posted over in the "Stolen Jeep" forum. Its for those who come acorss a possible stolen or abandoned vehicle out in the desert. But, alot of it applies to anyone who's vehicle could be the starting point of a possible search. I also have a bunch of contact numbers that could come in handy.
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
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