The partnership: police, prosecutors, the courts, insurers and the public. More than 400 auto insurance companies in Pennsylvania contribute all of the Authority's grant funds through a special annual assessment. The Authority's grants supply resources to auto theft investigation units in police departments and district attorneys' offices throughout Pennsylvania. (See the summary of grantee programs, beginning on page 11.) The grantees fight crime in the streets, provide training to local police departments, support prosecutors in the court room, and enhance public awareness.

Awareness/Education - "You lose more than a car when you're a victim of auto theft." With more than 3,700 vehicles in Pennsylvania carrying VIN-etched windows (2,677 etched during FY 1999-2000), courtesy of the Authority and its grantees, public awareness has continued to grow.

In partnership with Neiman Group, a Harrisburg-based agency, the Authority expanded its efforts to make the public aware of effective theft prevention techniques. A new series of 10-second spots were broadcast in the fall and spring in the Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg television markets. Each of 15 separate spots featured one of the Authority's 50 prevention tips.

Survey research conducted late in 1999 is being used to develop a new advertising campaign for the fall of 2000. Some 82 percent of Pennsylvanians polled said they would be angry or irritated if their car was stolen. More than 17 percent said they would fear that their home would be targeted next.

The 2000-2001 public education campaign is being built around the message, "You lose more than a car when you're a victim of auto theft." To most vehicle owners, their car holds a deeper sense of value - their freedom to travel, their livelihood, their individuality, even their sense of security.

The new message campaign will be supported by a more visible presence at community events, such as the Philadelphia Auto Show in February 2001.

Legislative initiatives. The Authority is proud of the progress Pennsylvania is making in the fight against auto theft. Our local grantees have worked hard, and public awareness is higher than ever.

An unmistakable sign that these efforts are not going unnoticed came late in 1999. By unanimous vote of both houses of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the sunset review provisions of the enabling legislation that created the Authority were repealed. Governor Tom Ridge signed Act 61 of 1999, repealing the Authority's sunset provision and ensuring that our work will continue forward.

VIN Etch Programs in 1999-2000
July 24	Pittsburgh Police/Allegheny County District Attorney's Office (400 cars)
August 2	Lackawanna County District Attorney's Office/Dunmore Police Department (95 cars)
August 22	Lackawanna County District Attorney's Office/Wilkes-Barre Police Department (97 cars)
September 11	Lehigh County District Attorney's Office (240 cars)
September 13, 14	West Mifflin Borough Police (163 cars)
October 2	Cumberland County District Attorney's Office (231 cars)
October 9	NE Philadelphia Police (252 cars)
October 16	PA State Police Auto Theft Unit - Eastern Region (88 cars)
October 30	Allegheny County District Attorney's Office (265 cars)
April 29	PA State Police Auto Theft Unit - Western Region/Butler State Police Barracks (247 cars)
May 20	Delaware County District Attorney's Office/Chester Police Department (122 cars)
June 3	Cumberland County District Attorney's Office (94 cars)
June 17	Allegheny County District Attorney's Office/PA State Police Auto Theft Unit - Western Region/Pittsburgh Police/Bethel Park Police (182 cars)
June 24	Delaware County District Attorney's Office/AAA Mid-Atlantic Insurance Group (201 cars)