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H.E.A.T. Cautions Students and New Drivers: Back-To-School Season Tempts Car Thieves

LIVONIA, Mich., Sept. 6 -- H.E.A.T. (Help Eliminate Auto Thefts) encourages students and new drivers to outsmart thieves by taking extra precautions to protect their vehicles and property from auto theft during the back-to-school season. According to the most recent Auto Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA) annual report, fall is a popular time for auto theft and October is the number one month for auto-theft crimes.

"Often new drivers aren't as aware of the threat of auto theft. This inexperience coupled with the flood of school activity puts students and young drivers especially at risk," said Terri Miller, director of H.E.A.T. "By following some simple safety tips, students and new drivers can protect their vehicles and property from theft."

According to the ATPA, several vehicles popular with younger drivers are among the top ten most stolen vehicles, including the Ford Mustang, Pontiac Grand Am and Jeep Liberty. The report also notes that thieves also favor vehicles that are white, black, gray, blue and red.

"With both academics and extracurricular activities gearing up in the fall, students and new drivers can't afford to let their guard down," said Oakland County Sheriff, Michael J. Bouchard. "Many students work hard for their vehicles and need to use common sense and take precautions to protect their property."

Tips on keeping your car and belongings safe during the back-to-school season:

* Closed Not Cracked -- Close windows tightly, don't even leave them "cracked" and always lock your car.

* Out of Sight -- Keep all personal belongings, including iPods, cell phones and other valuables, out of sight.

* Stop and Lock -- Never leave your vehicle running and unattended, even just for a few minutes.

* Kill-Switch -- Protect your vehicle from being started by a thief by having a mechanic install a concealed kill-switch.

* Double Duty -- Add a second layer of protection to your vehicle by using a steering wheel locking device, a steering column protector or an alarm with a visible flasher.

* VIN -- Consider etching your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) onto the glass surfaces of your vehicle. VIN etching makes vehicles less attractive to thieves because all windows must be replaced before the car is tagged with a fake VIN for resale.

* 1-800-242-H.E.A.T. -- If you know anything about auto theft, report it to your local police department and H.E.A.T.'s confidential tip-reward line, 1-800-242-H.E.A.T.

About H.E.A.T.

Since its inception in 1985, H.E.A.T. tips have led to the recovery of over $42 million in stolen property and the arrests of nearly 3,000 suspects involved in auto theft rings, chop shops, carjackings and fraudulent car thefts, among other crimes. Also, H.E.A.T. has paid over $2.9 million in tipster rewards over the last 20 years.

Anyone with information on auto theft, carjacking, chop shops, auto theft- related identity theft and auto insurance fraud in Michigan is encouraged to call the H.E.A.T. tip line, 1-800-242-H.E.A.T., or log on to http://www.miheat.org/ to provide a confidential report. H.E.A.T. works with Michigan law enforcement agencies to follow up on tips. Tipsters are awarded up to $1,000 if the 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 a suspected theft ring or chop shop operators. H.E.A.T. rewards up to $2,000 for information leading to the issuance of a warrant for a carjacking suspect. The H.E.A.T. tip line is monitored by the Michigan State Police and funded by Michigan's auto insurance companies.