I would say we can continue to aggressively prosecute and argue for aggravated sentences, lengthier jail terms for those convicted of auto theft. When we go to court, we can continue to argue against release of defendants on their own recognizance or on reduced bail. Auto thieves are incredible recidivists, and if we let them out, they will just steal again.

We have to continue increasing awareness with our community partners, teach ways (citizens) can prevent auto theft. We also need to work with insurance companies to get them invested in solving this problem. Specifically within the Sheriff's Department, some things we are doing is developing data and tracking information to identify and profile specific groups and individuals who are preying and planning out auto theft as opposed to crimes of opportunity. There are specific people that that's their main trade, and we're identifying them. We need to continue working with (Stanislaus County Auto Theft Task Force) … because there is … a link between car theft and gang and drug activity.

First, I think we need to continue with community awareness and education programs, showing and telling people how to properly secure their cars, and not leaving cars idling in the driveway. Second, we need to continue proactive enforcement programs, partnering and sharing resources and personnel; the DA's office in prosecuting and other agencies to arrest people. Everyone knows it is fueled by methamphetamine, and until we get a handle on the methamphetamine problem, we will continue to see auto thefts. My focus is community awareness and outreach programs, and enforcement. We've got to get a handle on the methamphetamine problem.

I have never had a car stolen (but) a lot of people I know have. It heavily inconvenienced them. … I've known people who have gotten their car back, but felt so violated they didn't want it.

I would say give us a B up until last September or October, when we took the initiative to go to the judges and say something's got to stop, stop releasing them on the low bail schedule. We got the local bench to increase bail. We have a deputy district attorney working closely with StanCATT. And I would say we are working better with The Modesto Bee, with the exchanging of information and increasing public awareness. … The stats for the first quarter of this year have dropped dramatically, and everyone had a part in it. Today, I would give a range of B-plus to A-minus.

I don't know of anything the bench has done. I'd like to give you an answer. I have not been on the bench in 13 months, and the story deals with recent statistics. It covers the period I've been away. (DA's office?) Probably not, I'm not in the courthouse. I don't find fault with either one historically. I can't give you a current answer. I have no basis to find any fault with how cases have been handled recently.

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