H.E.A.T. Warns Drivers of Auto Theft Trends

LIVONIA, Mich., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- H.E.A.T. (Help Eliminate Auto Thefts) is cautioning Michigan drivers to be aware of the continuing growing trends in unconventional auto theft-related crimes. Criminals continue to become more creative when it comes to stealing vehicles as vehicle security technology increases and as law enforcement and insurance investigators continue to successfully put thieves behind bars.

"Thieves are always coming up with new ways to steal vehicles and it's important for Michigan residents to be aware and educated to protect themselves and their vehicles," said Terri Miller, director of H.E.A.T. "Drivers need to know that preventing auto theft-related crimes goes beyond locking your car door, keeping personal items out of sight and parking in well-lit areas. Thieves have moved into areas such as component theft and online fraud. Michigan citizens need to be mindful of these schemes."

Some of the unconventional auto theft-related crimes on the rise in Michigan include:

• Component Theft: Catalytic converter thefts are increasing once again; however, other vehicle parts, including tires, rims, airbags and navigation systems, are being stolen and sold to crooked dealers and repair shops.
• Online Fraud: Thieves are turning to online purchasing sites like Craigslist.com and local sites like cars4detroit.com as easy outlets for selling or trading stolen vehicles.
• "Push" Steals: Thieves push the vehicle away after forcing entry to release the gears.
• Insurance Fraud: Vehicles are reported "stolen" to obtain insurance compensation. Customers are also providing false information to obtain insurance and using fake paperwork to title and register stolen cars.
• Vehicle Re-Tagging/Cloning: Though thieves may be turning to other creative ideas, they are still re-tagging/cloning vehicles. Thieves obtain legitimate VIN numbers from cars matching the year, make, model and color of a stolen vehicle and swap or duplicate the identifying digits.

"Unconventional auto theft crimes continue to rise and especially online auto fraud," said Lt. Ray Collins of the Western Wayne Auto Theft Team. "Purchasers and sellers need to be aware of the scams out there. There are normally signs that the deal is bad, if only the victims would take that extra minute to look at the whole picture. Is the price too good to be true? Does the seller want to meet in a business parking lot or similar location, and switch locations, often repeatedly? Do not judge by appearances; scammers are often clean-cut looking, and suspects are frequently females. If it looks too good to be true, it most likely is. If something seems suspicious during the purchasing/selling process, call your local police department to have them look into it. When in doubt, don't."

H.E.A.T. encourages anyone with information on suspicious or criminal auto theft-related activity in your community contact the police department immediately, and then report the tip to H.E.A.T. at 1-800-242-HEAT or 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 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. Follow H.E.A.T. on Facebook and @1800242HEAT on Twitter.

SOURCE H.E.A.T.