1800242HEAT Starting A HEAT Program

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1-800-242-HEATStarting A HEAT Program
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HEAT Program Facts

• Started in 1985
• Funded 100 by the insurance industry
• Cooperative effort between law enforcement,
  insurance companies and the public
• Completely confidential
• Rewards available up to 10,000

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HEAT Program Structure

• Created and funded by auto insurers as part of
  the Auto Insurance Placement Facility
• State-wide program
• Tips go to Michigan State Police for distribution
  to local jurisdictions

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HEAT Targets

• Auto Theft
• Carjacking
• Auto Theft Rings
• Chop Shops
• Stolen Auto Parts Dealers
• Auto Theft-Related Insurance Fraud

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HEAT Reward Structure

• 1,000 for arrest and prosecution of a suspected
  car thief or for auto related insurance fraud
• 2,000 for issuance of a warrant and arrest of a
  carjacking suspect
• 10,000 for arrest and binding over for trial of
  chop shop operators or members of a theft ring

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HEAT Program Statistics1985-2005 (YTD)

• 6,578 calls
• 2,791 suspects arrested
• 3,402 vehicles recovered
• 2,759,875 paid for tips
• 40,591,318 in stolen property recovered

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Auto Theft-Related Insurance Fraud

• Annual cost per family 2-300 (FBI)
• CAIF Study - 31 know - 17 report
• Increasing due to mileage restrictions on leases
  job losses creative financing rolling prior
  debt into payments
• Weak enforcement punishment compared to other
  crimes

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HEAT Reward Program

• Set reward amounts for specific crimes that can
  be reported by media
• Assistance in alerting media from HEAT
• Generally larger awards than from other programs
• Participation can earn awards for law enforcement
  units

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What Can You Do?

• Start a committee to explore the concept in your
  area
• Seek appropriate funding insurers, fraud
  bureaus, ATPAs
• Consult with a PR firm experienced with
  nonprofits
• Research other programs
• Consider legislative support

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Keys to Success

• Memorable phone number with 24/7 access
• Quick response to tips and status reports
  available to tip callers
• Quick turnaround by reward committee
• Media attention for major cases
• Partnerships
• Informative web site

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Keys to Success

• Insurance industry commitment and involvement
• Law enforcement referrals and participation
• Confidentiality
• Accept that you may be paying bad guys for good
  information!
• MEDIA! MEDIA! MEDIA!

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1-800-242-HEATwww.miheat.org