Solid Ratio of Claims People at MidValley Claims January Meeting
CHP Auto Theft Case Specialist, Sgt. Clemons, describes heart of problem in the Valley
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Karla Hall, of RHA, Inc. Fire Investigations, steps into the January meeting with raffle contributions.	MVCA Vice President, Jerry Inman, at the January meeting.	Congrats to Katryna, from Oakwood Housing, on winning the Pot of Gold.	Sgt. Mark Clemons, 22 years with the CHP, has been part of the Auto Theft Task Force for the past seven years.	2006 MVCA President, Don Wood, welcomed the crowd, took care of some association business, before introducing Sgt. Clemons.

Individuals, Not Gangs or Organized Crime, Make Up Majority of Thieves Stockton, Modesto, Sacramento and Fresno all in top ten on the Hot Spots lists of Auto Theft By Bryan Harrison

Some 7,100 vehicles were reported stolen in San Joaquin County in 2005. That figure, while qualifying the region once again to head the NICB "Hot Spots" lista, actually represents a drop of about six percent from 2004. January MVCA guest speaker, Sgt. Mark Clemons of the CHP Auto Task Force, had some interesting information to share at the first Mid-Valley Claims luncheon meeting of the new year. "The vast majority of the these crimes," he stated, " are committed by individuals. Most often," he continued, there are drugs involved." The area's meth-amphetamine problem has grown to near epidemic proporations, which has a direct and significant affect on the rise in these types of crimes. Very few stolen cars have anything to do with chop-shops or gangs, he said. "It's the druggies looking for a ride, more often than not. Generally, certain vehicle makes are most popular. Hondas, Toyotas, and Saturns, lead the pack. "We're not seeing a lot of ripped up ignition systems," Sgt. Clemons informed the group. "Rather, shaved keys , or cars with the keys left in them is more common than you might think," he said. The main reason these models are more regularly stolen is that their ignition systems are easy.	However, he did say that the vast majority of stolen vehicles are pre-2001 models. Manufacturers have improved their newer ignitions, making the newer cars less desirable for someone in need of a quick ride. Prosecution of these crimes is minimal at best. With the prison system so impacted, jail time for these mostly non-violent crimes rarely plays out to the full extent. Sgt. Clemons agreed that the problem may well resolve itself, as older vehicles become fewer. However, he also pointed out a new scam going on, where perpetrators actually go into the DMV stating that they lost their plates. With little trouble, they are apparently able to walk out with new plates. They can then swipe a brand new vehicle off a dealer lot, switch out plates, and be on their way Another recent scam, he said, involves mostly Cadillac Escalades. A bit more involved, these crimes involved either forged pink slips, or in some cases, having someone inside the DMV providing them with blank slips. So, in fact, the problem may be long from over.	A strong mix of claims industry people attended the January luncheon, including adjusters from the likes of Allied, Farmers, CSAA, and CSAA SIU. Independents and other service providers to the industry filled it out for a nice opening month attendance. Magda's got a shiny ring! Gaye Bishop on raffle sales.

Thanks to All Our January Door Prize Contributors Taylor Renovation EFI Global Custom Commercial Fabric Restoration Ron Hall and Associates, Inc. Hertz Rent a Car Enterprise Rent a Car Don's Mobile Glass and, of course, the MVCA booze closet The Membership Drive for 2006 is on. The traditional Association-sponsored membership drive cocktail party will be held March 17th this year, at a venue yet to be determined. Wear your green!

Please Join the Mid-Valley Claims Association as we welcome Mr. Russ Auker Ron Hall and Associates, Inc. He will discuss Taming Vehicle Fire Claims Friday, February 17, 2006 Luncheon meeting to be held at Le Bistro Restaurant 3121 W. Ben Holt Dr., Stockton