Mich. Crime Tips Group Marks 22 Years

Help Eliminate Auto Thefts (H.E.A.T.), which operates with Michigan insurance and law enforcement partners, said it was marking 22 years of operation today during which it has helped with recovery of nearly $46 million in stolen property and 3,000 arrests.

The Detroit-based organization said it has helped bust up auto theft rings, chop shops, car jackings and fraudulent car thefts, among other auto-related crimes.

H.E.A.T. said it has paid nearly $3.2 million in tipster rewards over the last 22 years.

"By reducing auto theft, distributing cash rewards and helping lower auto insurance rates, H.E.A.T. continues to boost economic prosperity and quality of life among Michigan's residents, bringing the community together to encourage regional cooperation," said Terri Miller, director of H.E.A.T.

Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land gave a keynote talk at an anniversary breakfast event for an audience of law enforcement investigators, insurance representatives and government officials.

The H.E.A.T. tip line, said Ms. Land, "is a great complement to Michigan's arsenal of crime-fighting activities. It is a valuable tool for involved citizens and law enforcement.

"Auto theft and crime tips are at an all-time high because H.E.A.T. provides a convenient, confidential way to report information. I commend all of the program's partners for making H.E.A.T. so successful."

H.E.A.T. also presented several awards, including the William V. Liddane Award recognizing an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to fighting auto theft. The award went to Mary Look, Claims Special Investigative Unit manager of AAA of Michigan.

H.E.A.T. Investigator of the Year Awards went to Washtenaw Area Auto Theft Team (WAATT), Western Wayne Auto Theft Unit (WWATU), Detroit Police CATS (Cut Auto Theft Statistics) Unit and Oakland County Sheriff's Department Auto Theft Unit.