NICB AWARD OF EXCELLENCE. (L to R) NICB Area 3 Director Ralph Lumpkin, California Highway Patrol Captain Lisa Wrobel, San Diego RATT Commander

IAATI / NICB are proud to present this years NICB Award of Excellence to the San Diego County Regional Auto Theft Task Force (RATT). Due to the higher than average vehicle
theft issue and close proximity to the U.S. / Mexican border, RATT was started as a pilot project in 1990 and became fully operational in 1992. Today, RATT consists of 26 Law Enforcement personnel from 14 Agencies and is operating throughout the San Diego County region along with the National Insurance Crime Bureau. RATT is receiving this year’s award, not only for the outstanding work and dedication by all members since its inception in 1992, but also as a result of “Operation Southside Blitz” which resulted in indictment of 91 vehicle theft suspects and warrants issued for an additional 6 suspects. “Operations Southside Blitz” also resulted in the recovery of 160 vehicles with an estimated value of 1.9 million dollars, not to mention various weapons and drug violations. “Operation Southside Blitz”, which involved an Undercover Storefront operation as well as undercover officers and the use of informant’s, was a very successful operation which shows the outstanding dedication and tireless efforts of all members of RATT.

Special thanks to NICB Area 3 Director Ralph Lumpkin for the nomination which included the following details of “Operation Southside Blitz”.

2007 Operation Southside Blitz
In the late fall of 2006, RATT Detective Marty Bolger began investigating several vehicle theft suspects working within the southern areas of San Diego County. Through analysis of vehicle theft statistics and information from cooperating individuals, Detective Bolger developed a RATT operational plan to address the regional vehicle theft problem. The operation was entitled “Southside Blitz” and would include the use of an undercover storefront, informants and undercover detectives to identify and infiltrate the various criminal networks operating throughout the county.

On January 8, 2007, the storefront opened for business. Detective Bolger was designated as the operations case agent. Detective Andrew Golembiewski was assigned co-case agent. Detectives Paul Winslow and John Clements were utilized as undercover officers. The remainder of the task force provided officer safety support and surveillance for the undercover officers and assisted in suspect identification. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) assisted in the operation by providing RATT with both audio and video surveillance equipment in and around the storefront location, along with the use of two undercover agents.

The use of the storefront added legitimacy to the stories undercover officers told their targets. Once the initial contact with a vehicle theft suspect was made, undercover officers would arrange to buy a stolen car, firearms or narcotics at an off-site location from the storefront. The location was monitored by a pole camera and surveillance officers. Normally, after the first contact, the undercover officers would inform the suspects that they felt comfortable the suspects were not “cops.” The suspects would then be “invited” to the storefront for subsequent illegal transactions. The storefront closed in July, 2007, however, the operation continued through October, 2007.
 

Impact of Southside Blitz
At the conclusion of Operation Southside Blitz, a total of 91 vehicle theft suspects were identified, with 73 suspects indicted by the San Diego CA County Grand Jury and warrants issued for
six (6) others. One hundred and sixty (160) vehicles were recovered, valued at approximately 1.9 million dollars. In addition, undercover officers purchased illegal firearms, including an AK-
47, along with a variety of narcotics. Many of the defendants were documented gang members and parolees with extensive criminal histories. Two of the defendants are being investigated
for two separate homicides. One of the suspects was involved in a large narcotic/illegal immigrant smuggling ring. At the time of his arrest, a large two story underground bunker was discovered under the residence, complete with lighting and water. The bunker was used to conceal the illegal activities of the suspects, including weapons, narcotics, and vehicle theft.

On November 15, 2007, over 200 law enforcement officers Stadium in San Diego to assist in serving the arrest warrants. By the end of the day, 56 suspects were arrested and booked on
charges related to the operation. Arrests continue to be made and to date, seven suspects are still outstanding. Sentencing for these defendants range anywhere from three years to 152 years, including life in prison.

Operation Southside Blitz was the largest vehicle theft sting operation in San Diego County history. Although the majority of the vehicle theft suspects operated in the eastern, mid, and southern
portions of the county, every part of San Diego County was impacted by the criminal networks identified in this undercover operation. The local media provided significant coverage of the “take down” and subsequent press conference where the highlights of the undercover operation were disclosed.
 

Financial Impact
When RATT became fully operational in 1992, funding for the task force was secured by assessing a $1 surcharge to every vehicle registered within San Diego County. Sixteen years later, RATT still operates under the same funding mechanism. The costs associated with conducting a storefront operation, like Operation Southside Blitz, can be financially burdensome on a task force. Rent, utilities, and security monitoring are some of the additional expenses absorbed by the RATT budget. In addition, the cost of purchasing stolen vehicles can range anywhere from $200 for an older model Honda to $5,000 for a new Chevy Suburban off a dealership overflow lot. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has recognized the financial impact on RATT in conducting these storefront operations. Operation Southside Blitz combined costs totaled over $50,000 for an estimated value of 1.9 million dollars in recovered stolen vehicles. NICB provided financial assistance
to RATT by donating $15,000 to help offset operational expenses. Without the support of stakeholders like NICB, impacted by the cost of vehicle theft, these types of operations would not be possible.
 

Conclusion
Every member of RATT was instrumental in the success of Operation Southside Blitz. Coordination of such a large and complex investigation required countless hours of investigative work and follow- up. The case agents did an outstanding job in managing such an involved and intricate operation. The undercover officers were very convincing as “crooks” and gained the trust of the unsuspecting targets in the operation. The surveillance and officer safety teams provided excellent coverage and security for the undercover officers. The Deputy District Attorneys assigned to the task force were tenacious in the charges and prosecution of the defendants.

As a proactive task force, RATT has focused on and found success in utilizing covert methods to identify and infiltrate the criminal organizations that prey on all members of our community. In conducting these types of undercover operations, the efforts of RATT will result in a safer environment for the citizens of San Diego County.