Yes, our fifth annual report looks a bit different than previous ones. We wanted to draw attention, through an unusual and distinctive design, to the results achieved during the year by this organization and its 15 grantees. At the same time, we pay a parting tribute to a familiar sight on the nation's highways as Pennsylvania retires a long-standing design for its vehicle license plates -- certainly the most visible tool for determining rightful ownership of a vehicle.

Reported motor vehicle thefts declined in 1999 for the fifth straight year - to the lowest level since the Pennsylvania State Police began collecting Uniform Crime Report data in the early 1970s. This is good news, which is largely the result of a partnership between our state government, prosecutors, law enforcement agencies and the auto insurance industry. We congratulate our grantees on their accomplishments.

Without question, another factor contributing to this decline is increased public awareness of theft prevention techniques, a high priority of the Authority. Our research tells us that vehicle owners are heavily invested emotionally in their "wheels." Hence our current campaign to remind Pennsylvanians that "you lose more than a car when you're a victim of auto theft."

We have found that vehicles represent to their owners four core values: freedom, livelihood, individuality and security. One of these values is represented on the cover of this report. As we remind people of the intangibles, we encourage them to use multiple layers of theft protection.

According to the State Police, more than 36,700 vehicle thefts were reported in Pennsylvania last year - one every 14 minutes and 18 seconds… an average of 101 every day. While we are making progress, we still have much to do.

Once again, I thank the Ridge Administration and the Pennsylvania General Assembly for supporting this organization. The Authority will continue to do everything it can to ensure that auto thieves know that they are not welcome here.

     Respectfully,
     Julia K. Hearthway, Chair
     Pennsylvania Auto Theft Prevention Authority