H.E.A.T. Honors Contributions To Auto Theft Prevention

24th Anniversary Breakfast Brings Together Law Enforcement, Auto Insurers and Community Leaders to Recognize Achievement in Prevention of Auto Theft

LIVONIA, Mich., Oct. 20 -- Today's breakfast and awards ceremony marked the 24th anniversary of H.E.A.T. (Help Eliminate Auto Thefts). Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson keynoted the anniversary event at The Westin Book Cadillac in Detroit before an audience of law enforcement personnel, insurance industry representatives and government officials.

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 more than $50 million in stolen property and the arrests of more than 3,200 suspects involved in auto theft rings, chop shops, carjackings and fraudulent car thefts, among other auto theft-related crimes. H.E.A.T. has paid more than $3.3 million in tipster rewards over the last 24 years.

"H.E.A.T. continues to boost economic prosperity and quality of life among Michigan's residents by reducing auto theft-related crimes, distributing cash rewards and helping lower insurance rates," said Terri Miller, director of H.E.A.T. "I congratulate everyone who plays such an important role in improving the safety of Michigan neighborhoods. H.E.A.T.'s success would not be possible without the hard work and commitment of those dedicated to reducing auto theft and insurance fraud in Michigan."

Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson said that the H.E.A.T. program is crucial to reducing a broader spectrum of auto-theft related crimes, such as identity theft, as traditional auto theft is quickly becoming a thing of the past.

"As increased security features in vehicles reduce traditional auto theft, other crimes like insurance fraud and identity theft are becoming more prevalent. That's why programs like H.E.A.T. are essential to law enforcement," said Patterson. "Because of H.E.A.T.'s confidential and convenient tip line, Michigan neighborhoods and drivers are safer. I commend all of the program's partners for making H.E.A.T. so successful," he continued.

H.E.A.T. presented several awards at the event, including the prestigious William V. Liddane Award and the H.E.A.T. Investigator of the Year Awards. The Liddane Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the fight against auto theft in Michigan,. The H.E.A.T. Investigator of the Year and Director's Awards honor law enforcement and others for their tenacity and hard work in auto theft investigation, arrest, recovery and prevention. This year's award recipients are:

  WILLIAM V. LIDDANE AWARD

  --  Bob Vogt -AAA Insurance, retired

  H.E.A.T. INVESTIGATOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS

  --  Det. Dave Andrews - Macomb Auto Theft Squad

  --  Det. Sam Milanovich - Wayne County Sheriff's Department

  --  Oakland County Sheriff's Office Auto Theft Unit
      --  Sgt. Kevin Banycky- Oakland County Sheriff's Office
      --  Sgt. Charles Bernard - Oakland County Sheriff's Office
      --  Det. Nicole Quisenberry - Oakland County Sheriff's Office
      --  Det. Steve Law- Oakland County Sheriff's Office
      --  Det. Frank Lenz - Oakland County Sheriff's Office
      --  Det. Herman Bishop - Oakland County Sheriff's Office
      --  Det. Marcus Kang - West Bloomfield Twp. Police Department
      --  Det. Rich Blendea - Farmington Hills Police Department
      --  Det. Chet Bartle - Waterford Twp. Police Department
      --  Det. William Hamel - Hazel Park Police Department
      --  Det. Sidney Godley - Wayne County Sheriff's Department

      --  Det. Lamar Nelson - Wayne County Sheriff's Department

  H.E.A.T. DIRECTOR'S AWARD

  --  Kim Davies - Macomb County Sheriff's Office

  About H.E.A.T.

Since its inception in 1985, H.E.A.T. tips have led to the recovery of more than $50 million in stolen property and the arrests of more than 3,200 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 $3.3 million in tipster rewards over the last 24 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.