Watch Your Car Program: Fighting Car Theft

Colorado Springs has the second highest number of car thefts in the state just behind Denver.

But a nationwide program available in Southern Colorado can help get your car back if it’s ever stolen. It is called the Watch Your Car Program, and once a person signs-up for the free program, they receive two stickers to place on the front and rear of their vehicle.

?It is a proactive step we can use to prevent auto theft,? said Detective Owen Scott with the Colorado Springs Police Department.

CSPD is encouraging drivers to become a part of Watch Your Car.

?If we can catch people in the car instead of recovering it later unoccupied, we can at least identify an auto theft suspect,? said Scott.

Actually catching a car thief can be difficult because many times once a car is found…it’s already been stripped for parts.

According to the Coloradans Against Auto Theft website, most car’s are stolen between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.

The stickers give police a heads up, so they can stop the car between those hours to make sure you, or an approved driver, is behind the wheel.

?It obviously appeals to people who are primarily not going to be out between the hours of 1-5 in the morning, but even if you are, it doesn’t take long to get your car stolen. If we can have a chance to get your car back plus make an arrest it’s a great program,? said Owens.

In Colorado Springs, some 260 cars have been stolen so far this year.

Those interested in becoming a part of the free program can contact detective Owen Scott at 719- 444-7234.