FeedsAuto thefts reduced in city
Auto thefts are going down in the city of Inkster.
According to the recently released 2007 Auto Theft Prevention Authority report, the city saw a reduction in auto theft related crime much higher than the state-wide trend.
The report, which publishes statistics two years after the time period measured, showed a 21.8 percent drop in auto thefts in the city, versus a 3.8 percent drop throughout Michigan, said Valdis Vitols, the executive director of the Auto Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA), a four-man department at the Michigan State Police.
“We’ve been able to learn a lot about auto theft that has led to the reductions,” he said. “We now know what types, of vehicles, what colors, what features, and where vehicles are likely to be stolen. We also know that most vehicles will be taken from the southeast Michigan area.”
The authority was created 19 years ago, when auto thefts had reached an all-time high, Vitols said. The downward numbers show a statewide reduction in thefts for the 16th consecutive year, according to the report. Since ATPA was founded, auto thefts have been reduced by 33 percent, said Vitols.
In 2005, 266 vehicles were stolen in Inkster, which is above the average for a 31,000-person community that is 6 square miles in size. But in 2004, the number was more alarming, at 340 vehicles, according to the report.
The auto theft report is compiled on an annual basis to measure auto theft occurrence in Michigan. Vitols, who oversees the compilation of the document, said that auto theft doesn’t receive a lot of media attention, but nonetheless is devastating to victims.
“You just can’t say it’s a no-cost problem for the victim because they have insurance,” he said. “They basically have to eat the deductibles, the rental car costs. It’s frustrating, and the stress involved with it takes a toll.”
The authority is a partnership of Michigan auto insurance companies, law enforcement, community groups and residents.
Since its inception in 1985, HEAT tips have led to the recovery of more than $43 million in stolen property and the arrests of nearly 3,000 suspects involved in auto theft rings, chop shops, carjackings and fraudulent car thefts, among other auto-related crimes. The organization has paid more than $2.9 million in tipster rewards during the last 22 years.
Each year, ATPA receives $1 from every auto insurance policy, which funds tip awards and a small staff.
Residents can help prevent auto theft in Inkster by keeping their eyes and ears open, Vitols said.
HEAT, the tip-line that ATPA uses to obtain information, is also an integral part of the organization’s strategy. HEAT officials encourage Inkster residents who notice suspicious activity to call police, and call 1 (800) 242-HEAT, or notify the organization online at www.1800242HEAT.com to report the activity. All tips remain confidential.
HEAT works with Michigan law enforcement agencies to follow up on the 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. HEAT provides up to $2,000 for information leading to the issuance of a warrant for a carjacking suspect.
The HEAT tip line is monitored by the Michigan State Police.
