HEAT Tackles Car Theft Problem
Help Eliminate Auto Thefts (HEAT) was created to help police fight the growing problem of car thieves.
Created in 1985 by insurance companies to battle the growing problem of auto theft, HEAT works with police to track down car thieves by offering reward money for information leading arrests.
Executive Director Terri Miller says they have made great strides against car thieves, but there's still work to do.
"Actual vehicles are getting harder to steal, because the newer cars have much more theft protection built into them, so we are seeing tons of carjackings and unfortunately they are recruiting juveniles to do that and we are seeing very bold, very young carjackers and most of the time they are armed." Miller said.
When asked about the carjacker shot and killed by a car owner at a west side gas station this week, MIller says they understand he was defending his family, but they prefer people avoid violence and get away from the situation.
Miller pointed out the reigning attitude that people don't want to get involved or are fearful that the thief will know who turned them into the police, but added, " that is what is so great about HEAT, because everything is confidential."
HEAT provides reward money to tipsters who give information leading to arrests. Over the years, Miller tells WWJ, insurance companies have donated over $3 million dollars to that fund. In turn, that investment has saved them over $50 MILLION dollars in car theft claims.
Miller says thieves are also zeroing in on GPS units, electronics, wheels and other components that can be taken without stealing the car.
(Copyright, 2010. WWJ Newsradio 950, All Rights Reserved.)
