Reduce Auto Theft in Texas (RATT)
Reduce
Auto Theft in Texas (RATT) is one of 28 grant offices being funded for fiscal
year 2012 by the Texas Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority
(ABTPA) in Austin to reduce vehicle theft and burglary throughout the state.
RATT, a statewide public awareness and vehicle crime
education/prevention program, is administered by the University of North Texas Dallas and housed at the UNT
Caruth Police Institute at Dallas Police Department. RATT has been in existence since March
1, 1995. Until then, there had been
no coordinated statewide effort designed to inform the public about vehicle
crimes and demonstrate how one can guard against becoming a victim. ABTPA believes that continued decreases
in auto theft and burglary rates can help stabilize insurance premiums for
Texans. Therefore, the goal of RATT
is to assist local and state agencies in reducing vehicle crimes. RATT focuses on the establishment of
statewide public awareness events and vehicle crime prevention initiatives
designed to supplement existing law enforcement and ABTPA projects. A
cooperative, coordinated effort will be encouraged among the public and all
agencies that may impact the reduction of vehicle crimes in Texas.
Associated Organizations
Texas Automobile Burglary and Theft Prevention
(ABTPA)
Thousands
of cars are stolen and burglarized in the state of Texas each year. Every
vehicle, no matter the make, model or year, is a target for thieves. The Texas
Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV) is combating this by educating the public
about what they can do to lessen their chances of being a victim.
