Car thefts enter the Internet age

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Police are not finding a lot of commercial car thievery locally. They're mostly seeing young adults and teens steal cars to just drive around in them.

But more and more, they are seeing instances of online fraud following a car theft. And the tactics are new enough that police say they're still trying to catch up.

It's not as easy as it once was to steal a car, according to police. In fact, in 40% of Grand Rapids car thefts this year, the thieves needed the keys in the car to get away with it.

But the Internet is opening up a whole new world of opportunities for thieves to profit after a car theft.

"We have seen an increase where people are buying stuff on eBay, on Craigslist, online," saide GRPD Sgt. Stanley Lis. "The cars don't exist or you just never see them."

Police in Grand Rapids are working with a group called HEAT (Help Eliminate Automobile Theft) to curb crimes dealing with cars. The group takes anonymous tips to prosecute car thieves and offers rewards, much like Silent Observer.

When it comes to protecting yourself online, the director of the group advises being diligent through every step of a transaction.

Insist the deal be made right at the Secretary of State's office during the work week.
Consider offers to complete the deal on a Friday night - when banks and state offices are closed - as very suspicious
Make sure the paperwork offered for a vehicle, actually matches that car.
And take note of the VIN, and not just the one on the dash. There should be one on the engine and on the door panel that match the one on the dash.

Terri Miller of HEAT said it's a federal offense to remove the sticker on the door panel. "They don't fall off. If it's gone, walk away from the car because chances are it's been damaged severely or it's a stolen car."

If you have information about the activity of a car thief and want to report it anonymously, call HEAT at 1.800.242.4328. They offer rewards of up to $10,000.

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The top 12 stolen vehicles , according to HEAT:

• 2000 Dodge Caravan
• 1999 Dodge Caravan
• 2000 Dodge Intrepid
• 1998 Dodge Caravan
• 1996 Dodge Caravan
• 1999 Dodge Intrepid
• 2000 Jeep Cherokee
• 1997 Dodge Caravan
• 2002 Dodge Intepid
• 1997 Ford Taurus
• 2007 GMC Yukon
• 1999 Ford Taurus

On the Net:

HEAT

Toll-free tip line: 1-800-242-4328