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H.E.A.T.
Help Eliminate Auto Theft

The HEAT is comprised of five components:

  • The Watch Your Car program.
  • Public awareness and education programs.
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etching.
  • VIN parts labeling.
  • Anti-theft devices. 

WATCH YOUR CAR

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    Watch Your Car is a voluntary vehicle registration program in which owners sign an agreement stating their vehicle is not normally used between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. If a police officer observes a vehicle with the decal being driven during those hours, the officer can stop the vehicle and verify the owner or a person designated by the owner is behind the wheel. The standardized decals and nationwide implementation of the program means officers across the country will recognize the decals and can proactively investigate auto thefts before a stolen vehicle report is even filed.

PUBLIC AWARENESS AND EDUCATION

  • Tips to help prevent vehicle thefts.
  • Take your keys.
  • Lock your car.
  • Never leave your car running.
  • Never leave valuables in plain view.
  • Park in well-lighted areas.
  • Never hide a second set of keys in your car.
  • Leave only the ignition / door key when parking in an attended lot.
  • Completely close car windows when parking.
  • Park with your wheels turned towards the curb or to the side in driveways and parking lots.

VIN ETCHING, LABELING AND ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

VIN etching, the third component of the program, involves the vehicle owner voluntarily having the Vehicle Identification Number acid-etched onto every window. Thieves operating "chop shops"operations in which vehicles are dismantled and parts sold separately -- cannot remove or alter the number without damaging the windows.

VIN labeling works in much the same way, forcing thieves to spend unwanted time and effort removing or altering the VIN number labels.

Program administrators are seeking sponsors from the insurance and auto industry to help provide anti-theft devices to program participants.

Call
931-840-5977
for more information or to sign up
for any of these programs


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