“Great job by all who are working to put a stop to auto theft and to investigate suspected chop shops.  California families work hard to be able to afford and maintain a vehicle.  Thank you to our CSLEA members at DMV investigations and BAR who can assist with these types of investigations.” – CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

KERN COUNTY – On March 8, 2022, the Kern County Auto Theft Taskforce (KernCATT) arrived in the 100 block of E. 21st Street to conduct business inspections of multiple auto repair facilities, per section 2805 of the California Vehicle Code. KernCATT was assisted by California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) investigators and the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) representatives.

At the locations inspected, there were multiple vehicles in the process of being dismantled, stripped, and identified as being stolen. In total, 16 stolen vehicles and components and a loaded “ghost” handgun were recovered. Four suspects were arrested for various auto theft related charges including operating a “Chop Shop”.

The Kern County Auto Theft Taskforce (KernCATT) is comprised of investigators with the California Highway Patrol and detectives with the Bakersfield Police Department.

KernCATT’s mission is to combat the growing auto theft problem within the greater Kern County Area and other duties as assigned. Part of this mission is regularly conducting business inspections involving auto repair facilities.