Turning up the Heat on Theft

H.E.A.T. (Help Eliminate Auto Thefts) warns that warm weather in summer months can lead to carelessness among car owners, providing thieves with easy access to personal property and vehicles.
According to the 2006 FBI Uniform Crime Report, motor vehicle theft is consistently highest in July and August.
“As warm weather sets in, people tend to relax their guard by leaving car tops and windows down when they leave their vehicles,” said Terri Miller, director of H.E.A.T. “This makes it easy for thieves to steal exposed property like purses, laptops and cell phones — not to mention the vehicle itself.”
“Always keep a watchful eye on your property, especially in the summer,” said Lt. John Michalke of the Macomb Auto Theft Squad.
“Just as you lock your front door before leaving your house, be sure to secure all
car doors before stepping away from your vehicle, even when running a quick errand.”
Since its inception in 1985, H.E.A.T. tips have led to the recovery of
over $42 million in stolen property and the arrests of nearly 3,000 suspects involved in auto theft rings, chop shops, carjackings, fraudulent
car thefts, among other crimes.
Also, H.E.A.T. has paid over $2.9 million in tipster rewards over the last 20 years.
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.