HEAT Applauds Auto Theft Awareness Week - May 2-6, 2005 Declaration by Governor Granholm
HEAT Offers Safety Tips for Consumers; Reinforces Community Action Against Neighborhood Crime
LIVONIA, Mich., April 28 -- HEAT (Help Eliminate Auto Thefts) applauds Governor Jennifer Granholm's recent declaration that May 2-6, 2005 will be Auto Theft Awareness Week.
"We are extremely pleased that Governor Granholm has designated next week as Auto Theft Awareness Week," said Terri Miller, executive director of HEAT. "Auto theft activities erode the safety of our communities and increase auto insurance rates. It's essential that the community get involved in preventing auto theft in their neighborhoods by anonymously reporting what they know through HEAT's confidential tip line, 1-800-242-HEAT."
Auto Theft Awareness Week coincides with the 42nd annual training conference of the North Central Regional Chapter (NCRC) of the International Association of Automobile Theft Investigators, to be held at the Sheraton Detroit-Novi. The group will officially accept Granholm's designation during the training conference opening ceremony on Mon., May 2 at 9:00 a.m.
In 2003, the most recent year for which numbers are available, auto theft in Michigan increased by 8.2 percent -- the first increase in thefts since 1996.
To help Michigan residents protect themselves and their property, HEAT offers the following safety tips:
1. When shopping, park in well-lit areas, near sidewalks or walkways. Avoid parking near dumpsters or large vans or trucks. These obstacles decrease your ability to see the space around your vehicle clearly, where thieves or carjackers could be hiding.
2. Consider using the valet service if you are out at a shopping center or restaurant alone at night. It may cost money, but your safety is worth more. Leave the valet only the ignition key with no I.D. Keep your registration and proof of insurance in your wallet.
3. If you have gifts or valuables in your car, place them in the trunk and out of view. Use a trash bag, blanket or cardboard box to camouflage packages in the back of a van or SUV.
4. If threatened by a carjacker with a gun or other weapon, GIVE UP THE CAR. DON'T ARGUE. A life is more important than any car.
5. Have a mechanic install a kill-switch in a concealed place in your vehicle to protect your vehicle from being started by a thief.
6. If you witness an auto theft or carjacking, call the police immediately. If you have any information regarding an auto theft, insurance fraud or carjacking, call the HEAT tip reward line at 1-800-242-HEAT.
About HEAT
Anyone with information on auto theft, carjacking, chop shops and auto insurance fraud in Michigan is encouraged to call the HEAT hotline, 1-800-242-HEAT, to provide a confidential report. HEAT works with Michigan law enforcement agencies to follow up on tips. Tipsters are awarded up to $1,000 if their tip leads to the arrest and prosecution of a suspected car thief or a person suspected of auto theft-related insurance fraud. Rewards of up to $10,000 are issued if a tip results in the arrest and binding over for trial of suspected theft ring or chop shop operators. HEAT rewards up to $2,000 for information leading to the issuance of a warrant for a carjacking suspect. The HEAT hotline is monitored by the Michigan State Police and funded by Michigan's auto insurance companies.
