Michigan's First Auto Theft Forum Brings Together Experts to Discuss Auto Theft Trends and Improving Michigan's Communities, Sept. 12

      Pioneering forum looks to improve Michigan auto theft prevention -
                      state in the top five in the U.S.

    EAST LANSING, Mich., Sept. 11 Experts from law
enforcement, the insurance industry and automobile manufacturers and dealers,
as well as prosecuting attorneys and state legislators will come together at
Michigan's first Auto Theft Forum 2001, a groundbreaking summit focusing
directly on the problem of auto theft in Michigan.  Hosted by the Automobile
Theft Prevention Authority of Michigan (ATPA) and Help Eliminate Auto Thefts
(HEAT(R)), the inaugural event will feature presentations and discussions on
current trends in auto theft and auto theft related insurance fraud in
Michigan.  The all-day event is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 12 at the MSU
Kellogg Center in East Lansing.
    The ATPA and HEAT(R) have assembled an impressive panel of guests and
participants.  Margaret Scott of the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office,
Commander Hilton Napoleon of the Detroit Police Dept., Chris Hogan from
DaimlerChrysler and Kevin Rinke from the Detroit Auto Dealers Association,
among others, will serve on panels to discuss auto theft problem
identification.  Tom Ginster, Criminal Justice Advisor for Governor John
Engler and Patricia Nash of the Michigan Dept. of State will be among those
giving individual presentations.  Inspector Annemarie Gibson of the Michigan
State Police, Leanne Snay of the Insurance Information Association of
Michigan, and others will assist in facilitating round table discussions.
Commissioner Frank Fitzgerald of the Michigan Insurance Bureau will serve as
the event's keynote speaker.
    With such a wide variety of industries and experts attending the session,
auto theft will be discussed as a comprehensive, statewide issue, affecting a
broad spectrum of industries and communities.
    As the state continues working to attract new business investment and
workers from outside the state, forum organizers understand quality of life
issues will become increasingly important.  "Auto theft has become more than
an issue of crime, it has become a quality of life issue," said Val Vitols,
executive director of the ATPA.  "We want to change the point of view that
auto theft is a victimless crime.  Unsafe streets and high insurance rates
hurt everyone and affect Michigan's economy and ability to attract new
business as well."
    While Michigan auto theft rates have dropped 25% since 1985, the state
still ranks in the top five in the country for auto theft.  In founding this
forum, the ATPA and HEAT(R) hope to present new ideas and solutions to those
dedicated to the fight against auto theft, as well as bring together experts
who might not otherwise get an opportunity to brainstorm and discuss the
issue.
    "We are excited about what can be accomplished with a panel of this
caliber.  These are all well-respected and highly knowledgeable professionals
who are rarely all in the same room -- I think the results will be very
exciting," said Terri Miller, director of HEAT(R).  "We are pleased with how
far Michigan has come in combating auto theft in the last sixteen years, and
are hoping this forum will provide the launching pad to continue and increase
this success."
    The Michigan Automobile Theft Prevention Authority is funded by a
statutory assessment on auto insurance policies.  It seeks to improve and
support vehicle theft law enforcement, prosecution, prevention and education
programs by establishing statewide planning capabilities and coordination of
dedicated funding sources.
    HEAT operates a toll free confidential tip line, 1-800-242-HEAT, for
citizens to report auto theft related information.  Since its inception in
1985, HEAT has awarded more than $2.2 million to tip callers.  During that
period, the HEAT tip line has received 5,484 calls leading to the arrest of
2,445 suspects and has recovered 2,999 vehicles valued at more than $34
million.

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