H.E.A.T. Recognizes Contributions to Auto Theft Prevention

20th Anniversary Breakfast at Ford Field Brings Law Enforcement & Auto Insurance Industry Together for Awards, Recognition

DETROIT, Oct. 25 -- Today marks the 20th anniversary of the H.E.A.T. (Help Eliminate Auto Thefts) program. 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 3,500 vehicles, $41 million in stolen property, has awarded over $2.79 million in rewards and has helped in the arrest of nearly 3,000 auto theft criminals.

"I am very proud to be a part of such a successful program that is a vital resource for law enforcement, insurance companies and citizens throughout Michigan," said Terri Miller, director of H.E.A.T. "By working together, we have been able to make a significant impact on the prevention of auto theft throughout the state of Michigan. I would like to congratulate everyone on their efforts and look forward to continuing the momentum another 20 years into the future."

Wayne County Sheriff Warren Evans keynoted the anniversary breakfast event before an audience of nearly 200 law enforcement investigators, insurance representatives and government officials.

"Thanks to the confidential tips residents provided to H.E.A.T.'s toll- free hotline," said Wayne County Sheriff Evans, "Michigan law enforcement officials were able to reach an incredible milestone of more than $41 million in recovered property. This success stems from the great partnership H.E.A.T. provides and the teamwork each of you bring in working to combat auto related crime."

According to the Auto Theft Prevention Authority, auto thefts in Michigan decreased by 26 percent from 1985 to 2003. This compares with a nationwide increase of three percent. In 2003, 53,307 vehicles were reported stolen in Michigan. Data for the 2004 calendar year is not available until February 2006.

"With auto theft on the rise again in Michigan, it is essential that residents speak up to help law enforcement crack down on car thieves and chop shops," said Miller. "Auto theft affects everyone. As a community, we can put a stop to this crime."

H.E.A.T. also presented several awards, including the prestigious William V. Liddane Award and the HEAT Investigator of the Year Awards. The William V. Liddane Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the fight against auto theft in Michigan, while the HEAT 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 were:

  WILLIAM V. LIDDANE AWARD
  -- Mike Lewis, Progressive Insurance (MSP Retired)

  DIRECTOR'S AWARD
  -- Suzanne Allen, Retired MAIPF/HEAT, HEAT Program Coordinator from 1985
     to 2000

  HEAT INVESTIGATOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS
  -- Washtenaw Area Auto Theft (WAAT)
     - Detective Charles Ball
     - Detective Sergeant George Warchock

  -- Michigan State Police - Western Wayne Auto Theft Unit (WWATU)
     - Detective First Lieutenant Ed Gerds
     - Detective Lieutenant Bill Darnell
     - Detective Lieutenant Rich Hayward
     - Detective Sergeant Ray Collins
     - Detective Sergeant Sam Milanovich
     - Detective Corporal Carl Arnett
     - Detective Corporal Mark Mitchell
     - Detective Bob Wellman
     - Detective Rich Herold
     - Detective Bob Kelch

  -- Romulus Police Department
     - Corporal Dwayne DeCaires

  -- Detroit Police Department's 11th Precinct
     - Officer Alfredo Jimenez
     - Officer Keith Dawson

  About H.E.A.T.

Anyone with information on auto theft, carjacking, chop shops and auto insurance fraud in Michigan is encouraged to call the H.E.A.T. hotline, 1-800-242-HEAT, 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 their tip leads to the arrest and prosecution of a suspected car thief or a person suspected of auto theft-related insurance fraud or identity theft. Rewards of up to $10,000 are issued if a tip results in the arrest and binding over for trial of 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. hotline is monitored by the Michigan State Police and funded by Michigan's auto insurance companies.