The Philadelphia Police Department operates a Major Crimes Auto Theft Unit with authority funds of more than $ million through 2008. One section concentrates on chop shop and salvage yard investigations, while the another investigates all other auto theft cases. Authority funding doubled available resources by adding eight police officers and four detectives. Pennsylvania’s Auto Theft Prevention Authority also provides important training for law enforcement personnel. The authority offers six auto theft identification courses that teach officers what to look for during traffic stops, methods of theft, VIN identification, and how to identify stolen motorcycles and semi-trailers. .
