Agency Spotlight

Each quarter, this page will recognize and highlight the projects and accomplishments of a law enforcement division, task force, or agency specializing in auto theft investigation, adjudication or prevention.  In this quarter's spotlight is:

Dallas Police Department "Junk Yard Dogs" Auto Theft Salvage Squad

 Sgt. Robert Benitez
1955 Vilbig
Dallas, TX  75208
Phone: (214) 670-5900
Fax: (214) 670-0617
robert.benitez@dpd.dallascityhall.com

Geographical Areas Covered
City of Dallas and the surrounding North Texas area

Mission Statement
The “Junk Yard Dogs” are responsible for the inspection of all salvage yards, garages and body shops in Dallas.  The unit inspects vehicles as requested by the auto pound and subsequently engages in the identification of vehicle parts, recovery of such items, filing of cases, and arrests of the individuals who are in violation of criminal laws and Vernon’s Civil Statutes relating to vehicles.  The “Dogs” file all cases initiated by the squad as well as some “bait car” arrests, create intelligence information on known auto theft offenders, train auto theft detectives or other law enforcement officers on the location of confidential numbers on vehicles, assist out-of-town agencies in the inspection of salvage yards, body shops and “chop shop” locations and conduct surveillance and undercover operations as directed by the Salvage Squad supervisor and approved by the auto theft unit commander.

Expertise
All of our detectives are trained in identifying altered vehicles and inspecting body shops, garages and salvage yards.  Other duties include salvage tracking, surveillance/undercover operations, and Crime Watch activities.

What We Can Offer
We have detectives who are knowledgeable in the identification of altered and stolen vehicles and can assist other officers in this area along with training and education.  Our office also conducts all Crime Watch activities for auto theft in Dallas.

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TAVTI says CONGRATULATIONS to the Dallas "Junk Yard Dogs" for their excellent work.  If you would like to contact the task force for additional information about their operations, please contact Sgt. Robert Benitez at 214-670-5900 or robert.benitez@dpd.dallascityhall.com. 

If you have a suggestion regarding a law enforcement, government or public awareness program that should be "spotlighted" on this page, please contact Michelle Lanham at michelle.lanham@unt.edu or 800-CAR-WATCH.