HEAT Responds to Auto Theft Increase in Michigan: Community Involvement Essential to Help Reduce Auto Crimes

LIVONIA, Mich., Feb. 4, 2005 -- HEAT (Help Eliminate Auto Thefts) responded today to statistics released by the Auto Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA) that indicate an increase in auto theft in metro Detroit and across Michigan in 2003.

"With auto theft on the rise again in Michigan, it's essential that residents speak up to help law enforcement crack down on car thieves and chop shops," said Terri Miller, director of HEAT. "The HEAT program links people in our communities who have information about auto theft and insurance fraud directly with law enforcement through our confidential tip line. Anyone with knowledge of auto theft can report what they know confidentially, and earn reward money if their tip leads to an arrest and prosecution."

HEAT is a partnership of Michigan's auto insurance companies, law enforcement and residents of Michigan. The HEAT program encourages citizen action through its toll-free auto theft tip line (1-800-242-HEAT).

2003 Numbers Reveal Increase in Auto Theft

* From 2002 to 2003, auto thefts in Michigan increased 8 percent, according to ATPA. This compares with a nationwide increase of 1.2 percent. In 2003, 53,307 vehicles were reported stolen in Michigan, compared with 49,248 in 2002. Data for the 2004 calendar year is not available until February 2006.

* From 1986 to 2003, Michigan auto thefts declined 26 percent and national thefts increased by three percent.

* Michigan comprised 4.2 percent of United States auto theft activity in 2003.

* The City of Detroit saw auto thefts increase 6.3 percent, from 23,857 in 2002 to 25,356 in 2003.

  *  Among Michigan's larger cities, declines in auto theft were seen in:
     -  Flint - from 1,342 in 2002 to 1,298 in 2003
     -  Pontiac - from 457 in 2002 to 409 in 2003
     -  Kalamazoo - from 596 in 2002 to 395 in 2003
     -  Lincoln Park - from 312 in 2002 to 302 in 2003
     -  Saginaw - from 380 in 2002 to 280 in 2003
     -  Battle Creek - from 285 in 2002 to 230 in 2003
     -  Flint Twp. - from 265 in 2002 to 223 in 2003
     -  Inkster - from 271 in 2002 to 219 in 2003

  *  Among Michigan cities, increases in auto theft occurred in:
     -  Detroit - from 23,857 in 2002 to 25,356 in 2003
     -  Warren - from 1,148 in 2002 to 1,587 in 2003
     -  Dearborn - from 937 in 2002 to 1,317 in 2003
     -  Southfield - from 795 in 2002 to 1,126 in 2003
     -  Harper Woods - from 164 in 2002 to 435 in 2003

  About HEAT

From 1985 through 2004, HEAT tips led to the recovery of $40 million in stolen property and the prosecutions of 84 auto theft rings, 216 chop shops, 140 carjackings and 55 fraudulent car thefts, among other crimes.

Anyone with information on auto theft, carjacking, chop shops and auto insurance fraud in Michigan is encouraged to call the HEAT tip line, 1-800-242-HEAT, to provide a confidential report. HEAT works with Michigan law enforcement agencies to follow up on tips. Tipsters are awarded up to $1,000 if their 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. HEAT rewards up to $2,000 for information leading to the issuance of a warrant for a carjacking suspect. The HEAT tip line is monitored by the Michigan State Police and funded by Michigan's auto insurance companies.