Motor vehicle theft has increased significantly in the past year. In June 2021, the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD), North East Citizen Action Association, Heritage Hill, Neighbors of Belknap Look-Out, and the West Grand Neighborhood Organization working under a grant with ATPA (Auto Theft Prevention Authority), began collaborating to work on a proactive approach to reduce the number of motor vehicle thefts in a specific area as a pilot program. GRPD used Risk-Terrain Modeling to evaluate where these types of crimes were occurring and how vehicles were being accessed. The project is called, D.I.C.E, for Data-Informed Community Engagement.
Crime data was analyzed and it was found that auto theft incidents increased in areas where laundromats, gas stations and party stores were present. Over 80% of the vehicles stolen had left their keys (and/or key fobs in the vehicles with their doors unlocked. It was determined that with this data the group could begin to educate these places of businesses and their customers, as well as nearby neighbors, about the importance of removing valuables, taking their keys with them, rolling up their windows and locking their vehicles.
In late June, students from Grand Valley State University and partners listed above visited businesses in the Plainfield , Leonard, and Fuller Corridors. They were given laminated signs about “Data-Informed Community Engagement”. These posters included facts that a vehicle is stolen every 33 seconds, that many stolen vehicles are used in the commission of other crimes, that only 50% of vehicles stolen are ever recovered, and that a majority of vehicles stolen are running or left with their keys inside. In addition, over 125 informational safety bags have been distributed in the community in the target areas.
After one month of engagement with the material, and with GRPD patrol officers in the area looking for opportunities to educate people who left their vehicle unsecured, the efforts were able to reduce car theft in the Plainfield area to zero. In the Leonard/Fuller Corridor there was a 65% reduction in risk of motor vehicle theft. However, that also pushed crime into the neighboring corridor along Michigan Avenue. So, in the beginning of August, the team went into action and began educating business owners and shops in that area. Many people reported feeling that the information was beneficial and admitted that they too, had also left their vehicles unlocked on occasion.
In addition to these efforts, five billboards were donated by Out Front Media with “Lock It or Lose It” highlighted and the GRPD and the Michigan Auto Theft Prevention logos on them. These reminders are helpful to increase awareness for those who are visiting the area that may not have seen this message. Education seems to be the key to reducing Motor Vehicle Theft. The group has plans to continue to educate other neighborhoods throughout the city.
If you would like to know how you can protect your vehicles, our Michigan Automobile Theft Prevention Authority Coordinator has prevention tips for you, go to: http://www.westgrand.org/atpa
616-451-0150 atpa@westgrand.org www.westgrand.org/atpa
Funds for this program are provided by the Michigan Automobile Theft Prevention Authority.