Statewide Auto Theft Declines; Related Crimes Continue

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Feb 28, 2011, 09:12 ET

LIVONIA, Mich., Feb. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- H.E.A.T. (Help Eliminate Auto Thefts) today commented on the 2009 statistics recently released by the Automobile Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA) in its annual report. The statistics once again showed an annual decrease in the number of vehicle thefts in Michigan.

"We are pleased to see the continued decline in the number of vehicle thefts across the state," said Terri Miller, director of H.E.A.T. "However, we do want to make Michigan residents aware that while total auto thefts are down, other auto theft-related crime is increasing in our communities."

Miller continued, "As anti-theft technology becomes standard in newer vehicles, thieves continue to branch out into other areas. We are still seeing criminal activity in areas such as component theft and insurance fraud, and even in areas that were once considered safe such as valet lots and parking garages."

2010 ATPA Annual Report Highlights:

(Note: This data, which is the most recent available, is from 2009. Data for the 2010 calendar year will be available from the ATPA in February 2012).

Auto thefts in Michigan in 2009 declined by 16.4 percent from 2008. In 2009, 29,647 vehicles were reported stolen in Michigan, compared to 35,467 in 2008.

From 1986 (the year of ATPA's inception) to 2009, Michigan auto thefts dropped by approximately 59 percent, compared to a decrease in auto thefts nationally of only 35 percent. In 2009, Michigan was ranked as the state with the fifth highest total motor vehicle thefts in the nation.

In 2009, Wayne County topped the list of Michigan counties with the highest reported motor vehicle thefts at 17,567 (59.25 percent of total state thefts). Macomb and Oakland Counties accounted for 2,541 thefts (8.57 percent) and 2,312 thefts (7.8 percent), respectively.

The 2000 Dodge Ram pickup truck topped Michigan's list of most stolen vehicles in 2009. Thieves' top color preferences for vehicles to steal were once again black, followed by white and blue.

The months with the highest auto theft figures in 2009 were December, November and October.

Though the city of Detroit once again saw an overall decrease in vehicle thefts, from 16,117 in 2008 to 13,252 in 2009 (-17.8 percent), it is still the highest ranking city in Michigan for auto thefts.

Among some of Michigan's other large cities, the highest decreases in auto theft were seen in:

Lansing – From 333 in 2008 to 209 in 2009, a decrease of 37.2 percent.
Pontiac – From 479 in 2008 to 312 in 2009, a decrease of 34.9 percent.
Dearborn – From 835 in 2008 to 595 in 2009, a decrease of 28.7 percent.
Flint – From 904 in 2008 to 670 in 2009, a decrease of 25.9 percent.
Grand Rapids – From 453 in 2008 to 371 in 2009, a decrease of 18.1 percent.

Some Michigan areas that saw increases in auto theft in 2009 include:

Redford Township – From 196 in 2008 to 299 in 2009, an increase of 52.6 percent.
Romulus – From 107 in 2008 to 159 in 2009, an increase of 48.6 percent.
Harper Woods – From 287 in 2008 to 348 in 2009, an increase of 21.3 percent.

"We hope to see this decline in auto theft rates continue year after year," said Miller. "H.E.A.T. is dedicated to working with citizens, law enforcement, the insurance industry and agencies such as the ATPA to put an end to all auto theft-related crime. Through our 24/7 toll-free tip line (1.800.242.HEAT) and website (www.1800242HEAT.com) tipsters can anonymously report auto theft-related crime and may be eligible for rewards up to $10,000 for their information."

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.

SOURCE Help Eliminate Auto Thefts