H.E.A.T. Cautions Students, Parents and Faculty Back-To-School Season Tempts Car Thieves

LIVONIA, Mich., Sept. 5 -- H.E.A.T. (Help Eliminate Auto Thefts) encourages students, parents and school faculty 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 second-highest month for auto-related crimes.

"With both academics and extracurricular activities gearing up in the fall, students, parents of young students and school faculty are all at risk during back-to-school season," said Terri Miller, director of H.E.A.T. "By following some simple safety tips, students, parents and faculty can protect their vehicles and personal property from theft."

According to the ATPA, thieves prefer the beginning and end of the school week, Monday and Friday, as favorite days to steal vehicles. The report also notes that thieves favor vehicles that are black, gray and white.

"Inexperience coupled with the flood of school activity puts students and young drivers especially at risk," said Macomb County Sheriff Mark A. Hackel. "Parents of young students, coaches and faculty also should keep their guard high and not leave backpacks and sports equipment in plain site in their vehicles."

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

  -- Out of Sight - Keep all personal belongings, including backpacks,
     sports equipment, iPods(R), cell phones and other valuables out of
     sight.
  -- Closed Not Cracked - Close windows tightly, don't even leave them
     "cracked" and always lock your car.
  -- 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 more than $46 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 auto-related crimes. H.E.A.T. has paid more than $2.9 million in tipster rewards over the last 22 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. 24/7 tip line and speak to a live operator at 1-800-242- HEAT, or log on to www.1800242HEAT.com 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.