BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Bakersfield Police Detective Brian Looney was recognized on May 12, 2026, by the California Highway Patrol and the American Automobile Association (AAA) for” outstanding performance” in vehicle theft enforcement.
Looney received a Certificate of Achievement from AAA and a Lifetime Master Award pin.
Looney has served with the Bakersfield Police Department since July 2001. He has been assigned to the Auto Theft Detail and the Kern County Auto Theft Task Force, known as KernCATT, since August 2020.
During his time as a vehicle theft investigator, Looney has recovered 80 occupied stolen vehicles and made arrests in each case, according to BPD. He also recovered an additional 682 unoccupied stolen vehicles.
“Combating vehicle theft remains a priority for the Bakersfield Police Department and our law enforcement partners, locally and throughout the state, especially those in KernCATT,” Bakersfield Police Chief Brent Stratton stated. “Detective Looney’s efforts are reflective of the hard work the members of BPD and the law enforcement community dedicate themselves to daily.”
BPD said stolen vehicles have a significant impact on the community, affecting people’s ability to get to work, provide for their families, and go about their daily lives, while also creating lost revenue for victims and businesses.
“We will continue to look for ways to impact auto theft by utilizing community partnerships, technology, and collaboration with other law enforcement entities to better ensure accountability. But there is no substitute for the dedication of our officers in the field,” Stratton stated.
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“I’m proud of the work done by Detective Looney and his colleagues as they carry on their mission to reduce the overall rate of vehicle theft and the impact it has on the people of our city and neighboring communities. Congratulations, Detective Looney,” Stratton added.