The AATA is a state agency whose mission is to deter vehicle theft through a cooperative effort by supporting law enforcement activities, vertical prosecution, and public awareness/community education programs. The AATA's community education message strongly encourages the public to be diligent about practicing theft prevention and utilize a "layered approach" to protection.

The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority was established by the Arizona Legislature in 1997 to create a statewide effort to reduce auto theft. The AATA is funded through semi-annual assessments of over 400 insurance companies doing business in Arizona and uses no tax dollars. These dedicated funds facilitate a cooperative effort by the insurance industry, law enforcement & criminal justice agencies and the citizens of Arizona. The AATA serves as a unique example of public/private and consumer partnership and is viewed as a national model for effective and sustainable auto theft reduction strategies. The AATA functions as the lead organization in a statewide network of law enforcement, prosecution and public education partners working to combat auto theft in Arizona. By focusing resources in enforcement/investigative units, prosecution efforts, and aggressive public education programs, the AATA, and our statewide law enforcement partners have been impacting our state’s auto theft rate.