H.E.A.T. Auto Theft Prevention Tips Help Shoppers Stay Safe During Holiday Season

LIVONIA, Mich., Nov. 27, 2007 -- With the holiday shopping season in full swing, Help Eliminate Auto Thefts (H.E.A.T.) aims to keep safety top-of-mind among preoccupied shoppers who are particularly vulnerable this season.

"Thieves look forward to the holidays when people are distracted and made careless by hectic schedules, countless tasks and mile-long shopping lists," said Terri Miller, director of H.E.A.T. "Shoppers often take unnecessary risks such as leaving their vehicles unlocked or stowing gifts and shopping bags in open view instead of in the trunk."

To help ensure the 2007 holiday shopping season stays safe for Michigan residents, H.E.A.T. recommends that shoppers take the following precautions:

  -- Park in well-lit areas, near sidewalks or walkways.  Avoid parking near
     dumpsters or large vans or trucks.  These obstacles decrease your
     ability to see the space surrounding your vehicle clearly, where
     thieves or carjackers could be hiding.

  -- Consider using the valet service if you are out at a shopping center
     alone at night.  The small fee is worth your safety.  Remember to leave
     the valet only the ignition key with no I.D.  Always keep your
     registration and proof of insurance in your wallet.

  -- Place gifts in the trunk and out of view.  If need be, use a trash bag,
     blanket or cardboard box to camouflage packages in the back of a car,
     van or SUV.

  -- Try to keep one hand free with the other hand holding your car keys as
     you approach or leave your vehicle so you can maneuver if you encounter
     a thief or carjacker.

  -- If threatened by a carjacker with a gun or other weapon, GIVE UP THE
     CAR.  DON'T ARGUE.  A life is more important than any vehicle.

  -- If you witness an auto theft or carjacking, call the police
     immediately.  If you have any information regarding auto theft,
     insurance fraud or carjacking, call the 24/7 H.E.A.T. tip reward line
     at 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 nearly $47 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 more than $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.