H.E.A.T. Recognizes Contributions to Auto Theft Prevention
Event Brings Law Enforcement, Auto Insurers & Community Leaders Together for Awards, Recognition in the Prevention of Auto Theft
DETROIT, Oct. 25 -- Today's 2007 breakfast and awards ceremony marks the 22nd anniversary of H.E.A.T. (Help Eliminate Auto Thefts). Since its inception in 1985, H.E.A.T., with its partners in law enforcement and the insurance industry, has helped lead to the recovery of nearly $46 million in stolen property and the arrests of more than 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 nearly $3.2 million in tipster rewards over the last 22 years.
"By reducing auto theft, distributing cash rewards and helping lower auto insurance rates H.E.A.T. continues to boost economic prosperity and quality of life among Michigan's residents, bringing the community together to encourage regional cooperation," said Terri Miller, director of H.E.A.T. "I would like to congratulate everyone on their dedication and look forward to our continued success."
Michigan Secretary of State, Terri Lynn Land keynoted the anniversary breakfast event before an audience of law enforcement investigators, insurance representatives and government officials.
"The H.E.A.T. tip line is a great complement to Michigan's arsenal of crime-fighting activities," said Terri Lynn Land, Michigan Secretary of State. "It is a valuable tool for involved citizens and law enforcement. Auto theft and crime tips are at an all-time high because H.E.A.T. provides a convenient, confidential way to report information. I commend all of the program's partners for making H.E.A.T. so successful."
H.E.A.T. also presented several awards, including the prestigious William V. Liddane Award and the H.E.A.T. Investigator of the Year Awards. The William V. Liddane Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the fight against auto theft in Michigan, while the H.E.A.T. 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 are:
WILLIAM V. LIDDANE AWARD * Mary Look, Claims Special Investigative Unit Manager of AAA of Michigan HEAT INVESTIGATOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS Washtenaw Area Auto Theft Team (WAATT) * Detective Sergeant George Warchock * Detective Charlie Ball Western Wayne Auto Theft Unit (WWATU) * Detective Corporal Mark Mitchell * Detective Clive Stewart Detroit Police Department's CATS (Cut Auto Theft Statistics) Unit * Sergeant Vernal Newson * Officer Michael Davis * Officer John Quincy * Officer Dana Russell * Officer Andre Kirkland * Officer David Jakeway * Officer Alfredo Jimenez * Officer Stevie Perry * Officer Rico Hardy * Officer Mark Burke * Officer Fredricka Davis Oakland County Sheriff's Department Auto Theft Unit * Sergeant Kevin Banycky * Sergeant Charles Bernard * Detective Nicole Quisenberry * Detective Chris Cole * Detective Jeffery Cardinal * Detective Frank Lenz * Detective Chet Bartle (Waterford PD) * Detective William Hamel (Hazel Park PD) * Detective Dennis Alvis (Pontiac PD) * Detective Richard Blendea (Farmington Hills PD) * Detective Sidney Godley (Wayne County Sheriff) About H.E.A.T.
Since its inception in 1985, H.E.A.T. tips have led to the recovery of nearly $46 million in stolen property and the arrests of more than 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 nearly $3.2 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.