The NICB Award of Excellence is intended to recognize any law enforcement person(s), or department who has distinguished themselves in area of vehicle theft investigations, making a significant impact involving dismantling and prosecution of a vehicle theft ring or chop shop. This year’s winners have done just that.

New York Police Department Detectives Michael Simeone, Richard Straus and Daniel Fox conducted an investigation that lasted over 18 months and grew into one of the largest NYPD Auto Crime cases they have investigated. This case shows how through data analytics, GPS technology, wiretaps, and good old police surveillance, an investigation can be so successful.

The steal crews were stealing the vehicles throughout the New York Metropolitan area tagging them and registering them with washed titles. Many of the vehicles were slated to be exported or to be sold to local or out of state buyers. Cooperation between the NYPD, NY DMV, NICB, and several other area law enforcement agencies lent to the immense success of this investigation.

A total of 311 vehicles were involved in this case with an estimated value of over $15 million dollars. To date 32 people have been arrested. Congratulations to the winners!

L-R: IAATI President Peter Perrien; NYCPD Detectives Michael Simeone, Richard Straus, Daniel Fox; James Schweitzer, COO at NICB