The issue of automobile theft prevention was identified and refined after researching the general topic of vehicle theft and its relation to injuries and deaths. In focusing on passenger vehicles, the study explored several subissues: what type of political organization might be required to bring antitheft technology online; what role interested groups might play in the application of vehicle theft detection methods; and what funding sources might be available for future technology. Trends and events were postulated as part of developing strategic and transition management plans for implementing antitheft technology. Vehicle theft was viewed as a statewide rather than a local issue. It was determined that a joint effort between law enforcement and private enterprise will be necessary and that the logical organization to head up an antitheft program is the California Highway Patrol. A model is presented that suggests a centralized management structure for introducing automobile theft technology, led by the California Highway Patrol and including representatives from law enforcement, the insurance industry, and technology manufacturers. Appendixes contain additional information on trends, events, and scenarios evaluated in the course of the study. References, endnotes, tables, and figures