LIVONIA, Mich., Feb. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- For the ninth consecutive year, auto thefts declined in Michigan in 2015, according to data released in the Michigan Automobile Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA) annual report. Statewide there were 21,157 auto thefts reported in 2015, a 1.9 percent drop from the previous year.
The data also indicates that 74 percent of Michigan auto thefts occur in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. The list of Michigan's top ten most stolen vehicles continues to be dominated by domestic cars, such as Chevrolet and Jeep models, while Honda is the most stolen brand in the U.S.
Terri Miller, Executive Director of Help Eliminate Auto Thefts (H.E.A.T.), Michigan's statewide auto theft tip line, commended the work of auto theft task forces statewide, as well as partners' continued use of innovative approaches to drive down auto thefts.
"The steady decline in auto thefts in our state for nearly a decade is the result of strong partnerships involving law enforcement, community organizations, insurers and Michigan residents. Together, we're continuing to outsmart thieves through effective, data-driven action plans," Miller said.
Since H.E.A.T. was founded in 1985, the organization has recorded more than 10,000 tips, paid out more than $4 million in cash rewards and recovered more than $60.8 million in stolen property. In 2016, the organization paid out nearly $95,000 in tips, which led to the recovery of 48 vehicles and more than $560,000 in stolen property.
H.E.A.T. tipsters are rewarded with:
- Up to $1,000 for the arrest and warrant of individuals suspected of auto theft, auto theft-related insurance fraud and/or auto theft related identity theft.
- $2,000 for the arrest and warrant of a carjacking suspect.
- Up to $10,000 for the arrest and binding over for trial of suspected theft ring members and/or chop shop operators.
Anonymous tips can be submitted 24/7 by calling 1-800-242-HEAT or by visiting www.1800242HEAT.com.
About H.E.A.T.
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 of a suspected car thief or a person suspected of auto theft-related insurance fraud. H.E.A.T. pays $2,000 for information leading to the issuance of a warrant for a carjacking suspect. 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. The H.E.A.T. tip line is monitored by the Michigan State Police and funded by Michigan's auto insurance companies. www.1800242HEAT.com
Follow H.E.A.T. on Facebook and on Twitter @1800242HEAT.
SOURCE H.E.A.T.
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