NO JURISDICTION IS IMMUNE FROM THE AUTO THEFT PROBLEM, ALTHOUGH FEW AUTOS ARE STOLEN FOR JOY-RIDING SINCE MOST YOUTH EITHER OWN THEIR OWN VEHICLES OR HAVE ACCESS TO THOSE OWNED BY THEIR PARENTS. IT IS THE PROFESSIONAL CAR THIEVES WHO COMMIT THE MAJORITY OF SUCH OFFENSES, THEY OFTEN WORK WITH A CHOP-SHOP, OR FACILITY, USUALLY A BODY SHOP, THAT DISASSEMBLES STOLEN AUTOS AND TRUCKS TO SELL THE PARTS THROUGH AN ORGANIZED NETWORK. THE AUTOMOBILE OWNER MAY ALSO BE INVOLVED. DUPES ARE CREATED BY REGISTERING STOLEN VEHICLES WITH VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) FROM A SALVAGE VEHICLE, OR VEHICLE CERTIFIED FOR DESTRUCTION. THE DUPE IS THEN SOLD TO AN UNSUSPECTING BUYER THROUGH SERVICE STATION OWNERS, SMALL DEALERS, OR AUTO AUCTIONS. LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS CAN HELP CONTROL THE PROBLEM THROUGH PREVENTION EDUCATION PROGRAMS WHERE OWNERS CAN BE REMINDED TO TAKE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION AND LOCK THEIR CARS. AGGRESSIVE AND ACTIVE AUTO THEFT INVESTIGATION, LIAISON WITH OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND INSURANCE COMPANIES, AND THE SUPPORT OF AUTO THEFT LEGISLATION CAN ALSO HELP REDUCE THEFT. PHOTOGRAPHS ARE PROVIDED. (AOP)