Summer is here, and we all welcome the long days, warm weather, and the opportunity to take long summer drives.But summer is also a great time for car thieves, as many car owners tend to get careless about protecting their vehicles when the temperature rises. Examples of how we get careless: convertible tops left open, or leaving car windows "cracked."The good folks at H.E.A.T. (Help Eliminate Auto Thefts) recently issued a press release with

some great tips on how to keep your car and your personal belongings safe during the summer months:"H.E.A.T. (Help Eliminate Auto Thefts) warns that warm weather in summer months can lead to carelessness among car owners, providing thieves with easy access to personal property and vehicles. According to the 2006 FBI Uniform Crime Report, motor vehicle theft is consistently highest in July and August.'As warm weather sets in, people tend to relax their guard by leaving car tops and windows down when they leave their vehicles,' said Terri Miller, director of H.E.A.T. 'This makes it easy for thieves to steal exposed property like purses, laptops and cell phones -- not to mention the vehicle itself.''Always keep a watchful eye on your property, especially in the summer,' said Lt. John Michalke of the Macomb Auto Theft Squad. 'Just as you lock your front door before leaving your house, be sure to secure all car doors before stepping away from your vehicle, even when running a quick errand.'Tips on keeping your car and belongings safe during warm weather:

• Closed Not Cracked
• Out of Sight
• Lock Your Top
• Kill-Switch
• Double Duty
• VIN
• 1-800-242-H.E.A.T.

About H.E.A.T.Anyone with information on auto theft, carjacking, chop shops, auto theft- related identity theft and auto insurance fraud in Michigan is encouraged to call the H.E.A.T. tip line, 1-800-242-H.E.A.T., to provide a confidential report. H.E.A.T. works with Michigan law enforcement agencies to follow up on 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. H.E.A.T. rewards up to $2,000 for information leading to the issuance of a warrant for a carjacking suspect. The H.E.A.T. tip line is monitored by the Michigan State Police and funded by Michigan's auto insurance companies.Information and upcoming dates of free vehicle identification number (VIN) etching events throughout the State of Michigan is available on the H.E.A.T. Web site at http://www.miheat.org/

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