HEAT Recognizes Contributions to Auto Theft Prevention

19th Anniversary Breakfast at Ford Field Brings Law Enforcement & Auto Insurance Companies Together for Awards, Recognition

DETROIT, Oct. 19 -- For nearly 20 years, HEAT (Help Eliminate Auto Thefts) and its partners in law enforcement and the insurance industry have reduced the frequency of auto theft in Michigan, even as it has risen in other states and the nation as a whole.

Since 1985, HEAT has worked with Michigan law enforcement, auto insurance companies and residents to combat and reduce auto theft and related crime. Since its inception, HEAT has helped lead to the recovery of 3,257 vehicles and other stolen property valued at more than $38 million.

"Thanks to resources like the HEAT tip line, Michigan residents are more empowered than ever to report criminal activity and help recover stolen property," said Terri Miller, Executive Director of HEAT. "By working together, we have been able to make a significant impact on the prevention of auto theft throughout the state of Michigan. I would like to congratulate everyone on their efforts and look forward to continuing the momentum into the future."

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard keynoted the anniversary breakfast event before an audience of more than 150 law enforcement, insurance representatives and government officials.

"Thanks to the confidential tips residents provided to HEAT's toll-free hotline," said Bouchard, "Michigan law enforcement officials were able to recover an additional 109 stolen vehicles last year. This success stems from the great partnership HEAT provides and the teamwork each of you bring in working to combat auto related crime."

According to data provided by the Auto Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA), there has been a steady, continuous decline in auto theft across Michigan and within the City of Detroit. From 2001 to 2002, auto thefts in Michigan declined 5.85 percent. This compares with a nationwide increase of 1.60 percent. Data for the 2003 calendar year are not available until February 2005.

HEAT also presented several awards, including the prestigious William V. Liddane Award and the HEAT Investigator of the Year Awards. The William V. Liddane Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the fight against auto theft in Michigan, while the HEAT Investigator of the Year Awards honor law enforcement for their tenacity and hard work in auto theft investigation, arrest, recovery and prevention. This year's recipients were:

  WILLIAM V. LIDDANE AWARD

  -- Kevin O'Reilly, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company (Dearborn PD -
     retired)

  HEAT INVESTIGATOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS

  -- Detective Bryan Tyitye of the Western Wayne Auto Theft Unit

  -- Oakland County Sheriff's Department of Auto Theft Unit
     Sgt. Kevin Banycky
     Det. Mike King
     Det. Chris Cole
     Det. Gerry Schroeder
     Det. Nicole Quisenberry
     Det. Tom Kenyon
     Det. Joe Lowry
     Det. Larry Novak
     Det. Ryan Roberts

  -- Genesee Auto Theft Investigation Network (GAIN)
     Sgt. Ron Nelson
     Lt. Randy Smith
     Det. Walter Greenhill
     Det. Todd Beard
     Det. Phil Yurk

  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.