RON FREITAS
District Attorney
San Joaquin County
Office of the District Attorney
Home / Our Office / Crime Divisions / Environmental, Retail Theft, & Fraud / Auto Theft Task Force

Auto Theft Task Force Unit (DRATT)

Auto theft has significant adverse effects on communities, extending beyond the immediate financial loss for vehicle owners. It undermines the sense of security and well-being among residents, fostering an atmosphere of fear and mistrust. The financial burden can be substantial, as it often leads to increased insurance premiums and the potential for lost wages or productivity due to the lack of transportation. Moreover, auto theft can strain law enforcement resources, diverting attention from other community safety initiatives. Repeated incidents can also diminish property values and deter new businesses or residents from moving into the area, thereby hampering economic growth and community development. Addressing auto theft effectively requires a comprehensive approach that includes robust law enforcement, community education, and preventive measures to mitigate its impact.

In the summer of 1998, the California Highway Patrol, San Joaquin Sheriff's Department, local Chiefs of Police, and the District Attorney met to address the increase of auto theft in San Joaquin County. They formed a county-wide task force to investigate auto theft and called it Delta R.A.T.T. (Delta Regional Auto Theft Team). The team currently consists of members from the CHP, Stockton PD, Sheriff's Department, Manteca PD, Tracy PD, San Joaquin County Probation Department, and the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office.

If you see suspicious activity, contact your local police department or Delta R.A.T.T. at (209) 948-3790.

 

 

Delta Regional Auto Theft Team
Auto Theft
Information Line
(209) 468-2456

Fahnda Hashish

Deputy District Attorney

Angel Pineda

Deputy District Attorney

Raoul Haeck

Deputy District Attorney

Suspicious activities can include:

  • Vehicles driving at night without lights
  • Vehicles driving back and forth in a neighborhood several times
  • Persons consistently driving different vehicles
  • Suspicious persons looking into parked vehicles

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CONFRONT THE SUBJECTS! Auto thieves may be armed and often travel in groups.

FYI
Chop shops are often small backyard operations. If you see numerous vehicles traveling into yards or garages of residences, notify your local police agency or Delta R.A.T.T. at (209) 948-3790.