Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority

Texas Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority Mission Statement
All Texans are free from harm and loss caused by motor vehicle crime.

This is the official page of the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA), a division of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. The Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) has fostered a statewide cooperative network of law enforcement groups, prosecutors, insurance industry representatives, local tax assessor-collectors, and concerned citizens to combat vehicle theft and burglar

y through enforcement, prevention, public information, and education initiatives. In addition to providing guidance and oversight, MVCPA awards financial grants to agencies, organizations, and concerned parties in an effort to raise public awareness of vehicle theft and burglary and implement education and prevention initiatives. Established by the 72nd Texas Legislature in 1991, the Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA) became the first statewide effort to reduce auto theft. The 80th Legislature amended the ATPA mission in House Bill 1887 to also emphasize reducing vehicle burglaries. The resulting agency, the Texas Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority (ABTPA), is charged with assessing automobile burglary, theft, and economic theft (burglary or theft committed for financial gain) in Texas, analyzing the methods and providing financial support to combat the problems. In 2009, the ABTPA became part of the newly established Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. The name was changed to Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority in 2019.

SMALL TEAM. BIG MISSION. Did you know the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) funds 30 Auto Theft Task Forc...
06/10/2026

SMALL TEAM. BIG MISSION.

Did you know the Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) funds 30 Auto Theft Task Forces across Texas?

Over the coming weeks, we'll introduce you to the dedicated taskforces who work every day to combat vehicle crime in their communities.

First up is the San Angelo PD Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Program, one of MVCPA's newest grant-funded task forces, established in 2026.

Currently operating as a two-investigator team, this task force is proving that a small unit can make a big impact. Their goal is to continue growing over the next several years while strengthening auto theft prevention, investigations, and vehicle recovery efforts throughout the region.

You may notice the sheep featured in their photo. That's a nod to San Angelo's rich history as the "Wool Capital of the World," a title that reflects the area's deep roots in the sheep and wool industry.

Join us as we highlight the men and women behind Texas' auto theft task forces and the work they do every day to protect our communities.

THEY'RE BACK: Catalytic Converter Thieves Are Cutting Their Way Across Texas Just when you thought catalytic converter t...
06/09/2026

THEY'RE BACK: Catalytic Converter Thieves Are Cutting Their Way Across Texas

Just when you thought catalytic converter theft was fading away, it's making a comeback.

Thanks to the proactive work of the Harris County Sheriff's Office Auto Theft Unit, a grant-funded MVCPA task force, investigators quickly responded to a theft-in-progress call and arrested a suspect before additional vehicles could be targeted. Deputies recovered multiple suspected stolen catalytic converters and a saw believed to have been used in the thefts.

This case is a reminder that catalytic converter thieves can strike in minutes, often targeting multiple vehicles in a single night. The good news? Vigilant citizens and dedicated auto theft investigators are fighting back every day.

MVCPA proudly funds auto theft task forces across Texas that work tirelessly to investigate vehicle-related crimes, recover stolen property, and hold offenders accountable.

Protect Your Catalytic Converter:

✅ Paint It – Apply high-heat paint and mark it with your VIN or license plate number.
✅ Etch It – Permanently engrave identifying information.
✅ Cover It – Install a catalytic converter protection device.

Many MVCPA-funded task forces offer FREE catalytic converter etching and theft prevention events throughout the year to help Texans protect their vehicles.

Paint It. Etch It. Cover It.

A few minutes of prevention can save you thousands in repairs.

$330,000 STOLEN FERRARI'S TEXAS PIT STOP ENDS HERE A luxury sports car reported stolen out of Florida won't be making an...
06/08/2026

$330,000 STOLEN FERRARI'S TEXAS PIT STOP ENDS HERE

A luxury sports car reported stolen out of Florida won't be making any more unauthorized road trips.

Precinct 4 Constable Deputies with the Mark Herman, Harris County Constable Precinct 4 Office, recently recovered a stolen 2023 Ferrari Coupe valued at approximately $330,000 at a residence in Harris County. The vehicle, originally stolen from Aventura, Florida, was located through proactive investigative efforts.

A homeowner connected to the investigation was detained at the scene, and the case remains active as investigators continue to gather evidence.

This recovery highlights the importance of proactive law enforcement efforts and the partnerships that help track and recover stolen vehicles across state lines.

One stolen Ferrari recovered. One owner is getting their vehicle back. One more reminder that auto theft is never a victimless crime.

MVCPA proudly recognizes the outstanding work of the deputies and investigators whose efforts help keep stolen vehicles off our roads and return them to their rightful owners.

Auto thieves have a type. Does your vehicle make the list? The latest Texas Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles are in, and some...
06/06/2026

Auto thieves have a type. Does your vehicle make the list?

The latest Texas Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles are in, and some familiar favorites are still attracting unwanted attention.

🔒 Lock your doors
🔑 Take your keys and key fob
👀 Hide valuables from view
💡 Park in well-lit areas

A few simple habits can help keep your vehicle from becoming a statistic.

Source: Texas Department of Public Safety Vehicle Theft Data – May 2026

Learned It in Class. Used It on the Street.The MVCPA Training Team spent two days in Cibolo presenting our Basic Auto Th...
06/04/2026

Learned It in Class. Used It on the Street.

The MVCPA Training Team spent two days in Cibolo presenting our Basic Auto Theft for Patrol course, and we got to witness firsthand why this training matters.

On the first day, officers learned about trailer theft investigations and trailer identification. While class was still in session the second day, officers in the field stopped a trailer they suspected might be stolen. Calls started coming into the classroom from officers seeking guidance on the trailer and its identifying information. During a break, they stopped by to discuss the details with the instructors and apply what they had just learned.

There’s no better example of training making an immediate impact.

Seeing officers put newly learned skills to work the very next day reinforces why MVCPA provides this training free of charge to law enforcement agencies across Texas. Our goal is simple: equip patrol officers with practical tools they can use in the field to identify vehicle crimes, recover stolen property, and better serve their communities.

A big thank you to the Cibolo Police Department for hosting us and supporting continued law enforcement education. We appreciate the partnership and look forward to seeing more success stories from the officers who attended.

Meet the Crew: The Faces Behind Organized Auto TheftAuto theft isn't always a crime of opportunity. In many cases, it's ...
06/03/2026

Meet the Crew: The Faces Behind Organized Auto Theft

Auto theft isn't always a crime of opportunity. In many cases, it's organized, coordinated, and carried out by groups working together toward one goal—stealing your vehicle or its parts for profit.

A months-long investigation by the Garland Police Department recently disrupted an organized criminal crew believed to be responsible for at least 25 vehicle thefts and burglaries across Garland and neighboring communities, resulting in more than $62,000 in stolen property.

Investigators determined the group operated as a structured criminal organization, with members performing specific roles within the theft operation. The crew primarily targeted older-model Chevrolet, GMC, and Dodge trucks, as well as work vans.

Through collaboration between detectives, neighborhood police officers, and gang investigators, law enforcement identified the suspects and mapped their activities. Five individuals were arrested and charged with offenses including engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, theft of motor vehicles, burglary of motor vehicles, and theft of vehicle parts.

This is what auto thieves look like.

Not movie villains. Not master criminals. Just individuals making choices that impact hardworking vehicle owners, businesses, and communities.

Motor vehicle theft remains a gateway crime that often fuels other criminal activity. Every stolen vehicle represents more than property—it can mean missed work, lost income, interrupted businesses, and significant financial hardship for victims.

While law enforcement agencies work every day to investigate and disrupt organized theft rings, vehicle owners can help protect themselves by:

Always locking vehicles and taking keys.
Park in well-lit areas whenever possible.
Removing valuables from plain sight.
Reporting suspicious activity immediately.
Considering additional theft-deterrent devices for older-model vehicles.

The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to link additional cases and identify potential victims.

Protect it. It's yours.

Everything's Bigger in Texas... Including Vehicle RecoveriesAuto theft investigations don't always begin with a stolen v...
06/02/2026

Everything's Bigger in Texas... Including Vehicle Recoveries

Auto theft investigations don't always begin with a stolen vehicle report—they often begin with proactive enforcement efforts and officers looking for suspicious activity before more crimes occur.

Recently, the Maverick County Auto Theft Task Force, working alongside the Texas Department of Public Safety and Maverick County Code Enforcement, recovered three stolen vehicles during a coordinated enforcement operation.

Recovering stolen vehicles takes teamwork, persistence, and strong partnerships. Operations like these demonstrate how law enforcement agencies and community partners can work together to identify criminal activity, recover stolen property, and improve public safety.

Great work by the Maverick County Auto Theft Task Force and all assisting agencies for their continued commitment to combating vehicle theft in Texas.



Maverick County Sheriff's Office
Texas Department of Public Safety

Auto Theft Doesn't Take a Day Off... and Neither Does the MVCPA Training Team! We've been putting some serious miles on ...
05/30/2026

Auto Theft Doesn't Take a Day Off... and Neither Does the MVCPA Training Team!

We've been putting some serious miles on the road lately!

Week before last, we were in Waller County thanks to the Waller County Sheriff's Office for hosting our Basic Auto Theft for Patrol course.

This past week, we rolled into San Angelo, where the San Angelo Auto Theft Task Force hosted another outstanding class.

Our Basic Auto Theft for Patrol course is provided FREE of charge to licensed peace officers across Texas and covers topics such as VIN swaps and clones, title fraud, tools used by auto thieves, vehicle identification, authority to seize, auto theft trends, and other vehicle crime investigations.

The bad news? Our 2026 training calendar is packed.

The good news? We're already looking ahead to 2027!

Until then, keep an eye out for the MVCPA truck. We may be headed to a town near you next!

See you down the road... or in a training room near you.

AUTO THEFT ISN'T A STANDALONE CRIME A lengthy investigation by the Grapevine Police Department has resulted in the arres...
05/29/2026

AUTO THEFT ISN'T A STANDALONE CRIME

A lengthy investigation by the Grapevine Police Department has resulted in the arrest of five individuals allegedly connected to an organized auto theft operation spanning multiple North Texas communities.

What began with the recovery of a stolen vehicle quickly uncovered a much larger criminal enterprise. Through diligent investigative work, technology, search warrants, and regional law enforcement partnerships, investigators recovered thousands of vehicle parts tied to dozens of stolen vehicles, VIN-swapped vehicles, stolen fi****ms, and evidence of ongoing criminal activity.

The investigation highlights an important reality: vehicle theft is often the gateway to other crimes, including organized criminal activity, fi****ms offenses, fraud, and trafficking of stolen vehicle parts.

This case serves as a reminder that behind every stolen vehicle is a victim, and that law enforcement agencies across Texas work tirelessly to identify offenders, recover property, and dismantle criminal networks responsible for vehicle crime.

Great work by the Grapevine Police Department and all partnering agencies involved in this investigation.

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4000 Jackson Avenue
Austin, TX
78731

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