AUTO theft, which rose to frightening levels five years ago, is still a concern for the Organised Crime Investigation Division (OCID) of the Jamaica Constabulary Force.

Speaking to Auto recently, OCID head, Senior Superintendent Fitz Bailey described the current situation as “controlled”. He said there has been a decline in the number of stolen vehicles, but added that thieves continue to prey on motorists.

Up to December 1, OCID statistics showed 1,798 vehicles having been stolen with 298 of them recovered. Approximately 1,966 incidents of missing autos were reported in 2010.

According to Bailey, thieves target familiar areas.

“Anywhere with mass gatherings that’s where they strike. We are talking about parties, sporting events, things like that,” Bailey said.

Toyotas, Hondas and Nissans are the brands of choice for robbers. The vehicles, or their parts, are usually sold to mainly ‘unsuspecting’ clients.

In previous years, the police have investigated used-car dealers and garage owners for having stolen vehicles on their properties. In the period January 2005 to June 2007, OCID reported that nearly 3,500 cars had been stolen.

Twenty-five were recovered in the first three weeks of 2005. Twelve of the vehicles were found scrapped in a Kingston garage.

Bailey said most of the thefts take place in Kingston and St Andrew, but there have been numerous reports of vehicles being ripped off in the western section of the country. He had no details of how many arrests have been made.

OCID has reached out to insurance companies and financial institutions in its drive to put the brakes on the illegal auto market. Bailey said insurance firms have become especially aggressive.

“They have made it harder for persons to insure a stolen vehicle by having dialogue with the Inland Revenue Department,” Bailey said. “That’s definitely one of the positives.”

According to Bailey, OCID went for a multifaceted approach to reduce the number of stolen vehicles in 2011 by launching several awareness campaigns, raids, search operations and sensitisation. The organisation also held regular meetings with insurance companies and other stakeholders connected to the motor industry.

While there has been a drop in thefts, Bailey said finding a suitable space to store recovered vehicles remains a challenge. It will be one of OCID’s priorities in 2012.

Last year, OCID arrested two persons including a police officer, who were believed to be involved in a major car-stealing ring. They are Andre Luton and Miguel Pine, a police constable.

Pine is charged with two counts of receiving stolen property and two counts of conspiracy to defraud, while Luton is charged with two counts of simple larceny, three counts of receiving stolen property and two counts of conspiracy to defraud.

They are scheduled to appear in court in January.