Help Eliminate Auto Thefts Marks 18 Years of Fighting Auto Theft

Michigan Attorney General Michael Cox Joins Anniversary Celebration on October 23 to Honor Law Enforcement and Applaud the 27% Decline in Auto Thefts Since 1985

LIVONIA, Mich., Oct. 22 -- Marking 18 years of success fighting auto theft, Help Eliminate Auto Thefts (HEAT(R)) is celebrating its anniversary by hosting its annual breakfast on Thursday, October 23 at 8:30 a.m. at the Hall of Legends at Ford Field in Detroit. Since its inception in 1985, HEAT(R) has helped reduce auto thefts in Michigan by 27 percent while auto thefts nationally have risen 2 percent. This year alone, HEAT(R) has helped auto insurance carriers recover close to $1 million in stolen property, contributing to control of auto insurance premiums for Michigan drivers. HEAT(R) credits much of its success to working as a team with law enforcement, prosecutors and the insurance industry.

Michigan Attorney General Michael Cox will serve as keynote speaker at the event. Five Investigative Units of the Year will be honored, including the Oakland County Sheriff's Department Auto Theft Unit, the Grand Rapids Combined Auto Theft Unit, the Macomb Auto Theft Squad, Detective Don Barton of the Michigan State Police - Western Wayne Auto Theft Unit and Officer John Quincy of the Detroit Police Department Commercial Auto Theft Unit (CATS).

HEAT(R) works! HEAT(R) was formed in 1985, the first auto theft prevention coalition of this kind, serving as the benchmark to auto theft prevention organizations around the nation. HEAT(R) has awarded more than $2.5 million to tip callers providing auto theft information to its confidential tip reward line, 1-800-242-HEAT. HEAT(R) tips have led to 2,664 arrests of auto theft suspects and the recovery of 3,242 vehicles, valued at more than $37.9 million. "This significant drop in the rankings definitely demonstrates the active role that citizens, law enforcement and HEAT(R) are taking in preventing all forms of auto theft," said Terri Miller, Director of HEAT(R).

This year, HEAT(R) strengthened an existing partnership with AAA Michigan by developing a traveling interactive exhibit to teach Michigan citizens about auto theft prevention and the personal impact of auto theft crime, including auto insurance fraud. "AAA Michigan and HEAT(R) are longtime partners in the fight against auto theft," Miller said. "The new exhibit will travel throughout Michigan, educating drivers on ways to protect against auto theft and limiting the opportunities for thieves to steal."

Tipsters that call the HEAT(R) tip line are rewarded 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. Up to $10,000 is rewarded if the tip results in the arrest and binding over for trial of suspected theft ring members and/or chop shop operators. HEAT(R) also rewards $2,000 for information leading to the issuance of a warrant for a carjacking suspect.

The auto theft prevention program offers rewards to citizens with reliable information regarding auto theft; auto theft related insurance fraud and carjacking. HEAT(R) contends that by encouraging and rewarding citizen involvement, Michigan citizens play a role in their own safety and work together with law enforcement to combat this crime. The HEAT(R) hotline (1-800-242-HEAT) is monitored by the Michigan State Police and funded by Michigan auto insurance companies.