Since its inception in 1985, H.E.A.T., with its partners in lawenforcement and the insurance industry, has helped lead to the recovery ofnearly $49 million in stolen property and the arrests of more than 3,200suspects involved in auto theft rings, chop shops, carjackings and fraudulentcar thefts, among other auto-related crimes. H.E.A.T. has paid nearly $3.3million in tipster rewards over the last 23 years.

"H.E.A.T. continues to be a vital resource throughout Michigan for lawenforcement, insurance companies and citizens to help decrease autotheft-related crimes," said Terri Miller, director of H.E.A.T. "H.E.A.T.'ssuccess would not be possible without the hard work and commitment of thosededicated to reducing auto theft and insurance fraud in Michigan. Icongratulate everyone who plays such an important role in improving the safetyand quality of life in Michigan neighborhoods."

Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop said the H.E.A.T. tip line is avaluable tool for law enforcement, insurance companies and citizens, as wellas a great complement to all Michigan's crime-fighting activities.

"Crime tips are at an all-time high because H.E.A.T. provides aconfidential and convenient way to report information. Michigan is a saferstate thanks to H.E.A.T. and I commend all of the program's partners formaking H.E.A.T. so successful," he said.

H.E.A.T. presented several awards at the event, including the prestigiousWilliam V. Liddane Award and the H.E.A.T. Investigator of the Year Awards.The Liddane Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated an outstandingcommitment to the fight against auto theft in Michigan, while the H.E.A.T.Investigator of the Year and Director's Awards honor law enforcement andothers for their tenacity and hard work in auto theft investigation, arrest,recovery and prevention. This year's recipients are:

WILLIAM V. LIDDANE AWARD -- Glenn Glenn Slingerlend -Former H.E.A.T. Committee Chair and founding member of the H.E.A.T. program in 1985. This award honors Glenn posthumously. H.E.A.T. INVESTIGATOR OF THE YEAR AWARDS -- Alfredo Jimenez - Auto Theft Team - Detroit Police Department -- D/Sgt. George Warchock & Det. Charlie Ball of the Washtenaw Area Auto Theft Team Operation ACTION (Arresting Car Thieves in our Neighborhood) Auto TheftTask Force

-- Lt. Sam Milanovich - Wayne County Sheriff's Department -- Sgt. James Panackia - Wayne County Sheriff's Department -- Cpl. Kristyn Montgomery - Wayne County Sheriff's Department -- Dep. Cleaster Maxwell - Wayne County Sheriff's Department -- Lt. James Armbruster - Grosse Pointe Park Police Department -- Sgt. James Vogler - Grosse Pointe Park Police Department -- Patrolman David Emmendorfer - Harper Woods Police Department -- Agent Larry Lafond - National Insurance Crime Bureau H.E.A.T. DIRECTOR'S AWARD -- Neal Wisner, Formerly of the National Insurance Crime Bureau About H.E.A.T.

Since its inception in 1985, H.E.A.T. tips have led to the recovery ofmore than $49 million in stolen property and the arrests of more than 3,200suspects involved in auto theft rings, chop shops, carjackings and fraudulentcar thefts, among other auto-related crimes. H.E.A.T. has paid more than $3.3million in tipster rewards over the last 23 years. Anyone with information onauto theft, carjacking, chop shops, auto theft-related identity theft and autoinsurance fraud in Michigan is encouraged to call the H.E.A.T. 24/7 tip lineand speak to a live operator at 1-800-242-HEAT, or log on towww.1800242HEAT.com to provide a confidential report.

H.E.A.T. works with Michigan law enforcement agencies to follow up ontips. Tipsters are awarded up to $1,000 if the tip leads to the arrest andprosecution of a suspected car thief or a person suspected of autotheft-related insurance fraud. Rewards of up to $10,000 are issued if a tipresults in the arrest and binding over for trial of a suspected theft ring orchop shop operators. H.E.A.T. rewards up to $2,000 for information leading tothe issuance of a warrant for a carjacking suspect. The H.E.A.T. tip line ismonitored by the Michigan State Police and funded by Michigan's auto insurancecompanies.

SOURCE Help Eliminate Auto Thefts