H.E.A.T. Helps Keep Shoppers Safe From Auto Related Crime This Holiday Season

LIVONIA, Mich., Nov. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Help Eliminate Auto Thefts (H.E.A.T.),  an organization in its 25th year of combating auto theft-related crimes in Michigan, wants to ensure shoppers are making safety a part of their holiday to-do lists this year.

With thoughts tuned to family, friends and celebrations, preoccupied bargain hunters provide an unnecessary amount of opportunity for thieves during the busy shopping season.  

"It's so easy for people to get distracted and overwhelmed by holiday plans," said Terri Miller, director of H.E.A.T. "Distractions cause people to let their guard down, providing thieves a prime opportunity.  Fortunately, there are a number of simple steps that shoppers can take to make sure they, their vehicles and their possessions are protected."

To keep safe this holiday season, H.E.A.T. recommends the following tips:

• Stay alert and watchful.  While walking to your car, take a moment to observe the surroundings. Talking or texting on cell phones, digging for keys or juggling multiple packages can be a distraction, all of which make you an easy target.

• Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas. Try to avoid shopping alone after dark.  If possible, avoid parking near objects that block your view of the surrounding area such as dumpsters, bushes, large vans or trucks.  Avoid parking next to cars with dark tinted windows that you cannot see through.

• Place valuables and purchases in the trunk or out of view. Before leaving your car, make sure anything of value is locked in the trunk or out of sight.  

• Remember where your car is parked.  Walk directly to your car and do not spend unnecessary time wandering around the parking lot. Walk confidently and with purpose.  

• Move your car.  If you return to your car in the middle of a shopping trip, move to another area of the parking lot, deterring a thief who may have been watching you unload and then leave your purchases.

• If threatened by a carjacker with a weapon, GIVE UP THE CAR.  DON'T RESIST OR 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.

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.

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SOURCE Help Eliminate Auto Thefts