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'Gone in 60 Seconds': Box Office Hit, But Not with Auto Theft Experts

17 June 2000

Michigan HEAT Reminds Audiences to Take Auto Theft Seriously

    LIVONIA, Mich. - Car thieves are the stars of the new hit film "Gone in 60 
Seconds," but leaders of the statewide auto theft prevention program Help 
Eliminate Auto Thefts (HEAT) remind audiences that auto theft is a crime that 
everyone pays for through rising insurance and tax costs.

    Terri Miller, Director of HEAT, says this about the hit film and auto
theft in Michigan:

    "The hit movie 'Gone in 60 Seconds' is taking audiences on a wild ride
this summer -- with a group of car thieves who can steal your vehicle in less
than a minute.  The film is an exciting adventure, but HEAT would like to
remind movie audiences that auto theft is a very real and serious crime.  We
all pay for auto theft -- through rising insurance rates, higher taxes and
unsafe streets.  Please remember to protect your car from theft with door
locks and an alarm and if you have any information regarding this crime, call
HEAT's toll-free, confidential tip line, 800-242-HEAT.  Together, we can stamp
out auto theft and enjoy movies like 'Gone in 60 Seconds' without paying a
price."

    Since its inception in 1985, HEAT(R) has awarded more than $2 million to
tip callers.  During that period, the HEAT(R) tip line has received 6,257
calls leading to the arrest of 2,352 suspects and has recovered 2,865 vehicles
valued at more than $32 million.  In 1999, the program made a resounding
impact on Michigan's fight against auto thefts.  Last year, the hotline
received more than 400 tips that led to the arrest of 154 suspects and the
recovery of more than $2 million in stolen property.  HEAT's hotline is
monitored by the Michigan State Police and funded by Michigan auto insurance
companies.