Albuquerque – APD held a press conference today saying that their Auto Theft Unit conducted over 100 proactive operations for the duration of the year 2024.
Chief Harold Medina and other APD officials said during the press conference that there has been a 7% decrease in reported auto thefts for the year 2024 compared to 2023.
APD’s Auto Theft Unit conducted two targeted proactive operations each week during 2024. The unit which is comprised of 7 detectives, created and distributed a top 25 auto theft list that was shared and updated frequently last year which contributed to the decrease in auto theft numbers. With the use of technology such as automated license plate readers, cameras and an expanding bait car program, detectives were able to target auto theft in Albuquerque.
Partnership with the Office of the Superintendent of Insurance and the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office contributed to the success of the operations and decrease in cases.
Detectives worked to identify trends in 2024, both nationally and locally, such as the Kia Boyz trend and the increase theft of Kia’s and Hyundai’s specifically. The Auto Theft Unit held many proactive events in 2024, which included VIN etching and the purchase of 500 wheel locks that were handed out at these events to owners of Kia’s and Hyundai’s.
Dusty Jimenez, Daniel Hennessy, Frank Chappell, 42, and Emma Brown, 27, were some the offenders identified on the Top 25 Auto Theft Offender list that were arrested in 2024. In September, Nathaniel Sanchez, 28, was arrested for operating a chop shop where 4 stolen vehicles were located.
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The chief looks like he’s gaining weight.