Auto Theft Investigators Conference in Novi

Investigators from 13 States and Canada Gather for Training; Governor Granholm Proclaims "Auto Theft Awareness Week" in Michigan

NOVI, Mich., April 26 -- If you make your living stealing cars in the Midwest, watch out -- over 300 auto theft investigators are coming to the 42nd Annual Training Conference for the North Central Regional Chapter (NCRC) of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators, May 1-5 at the Sheraton Detroit-Novi.

"This is an unprecedented opportunity for law enforcement and insurance investigators to learn ways to address the latest trends in auto theft and insurance fraud," said Valdis Vitols, executive director of the Auto Theft Prevention Authority. "By learning together and forming partnerships we can more effectively battle a problem which touches the wallets of every consumer through higher insurance rates and increased costs for enforcement and prosecution."

Investigators will attend four days of training, which includes sessions on ways to identify stolen vehicles during traffic stops, vehicle arson, imports/exports of stolen vehicles, interrogation techniques and construction equipment theft. There will also be factory tours of local auto manufacturers and hands-on demonstrations of cloned vehicles. A featured topic will be Michigan's approach to fighting auto theft, which has resulted in a 26% reduction in thefts since 1986.

Keynote speakers at the opening ceremonies on May 2 include Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, Director of the Michigan State Police Col. Tadarial Sturdivant, Wayne County Sheriff Warren Evans, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, Macomb County Sheriff Mark Hackel and Novi Chief of Police Doug Shaeffer. In addition, Governor Granholm has proclaimed the first week in May "Auto Theft Awareness Week" in Michigan to alert consumers to this issue.

Auto Theft Investigators

NOTE TO EDITORS: These events are not open to the public, but media representatives may attend the Opening Ceremonies at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 2. Interviews are available with: Valdis Vitols, Executive Director, Auto Theft Prevention Authority Robert Vogt, Fraud Prevention Manager, AAA Michigan Terri Miller, Director, HEAT (Help Eliminate Auto Thefts) Program Steve Reid, President, North Central Regional Chapter, IAATI (Wisconsin Dept. of Transportation)