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 PATU is the Prosecutor Auto Theft Unit for the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. PATU consists of five prosecutors, a secretary, and one full-time legal assistant to handle most crimes related to motor vehicles including vehicle theft, chop shops, insurance fraud, and fleeing cases. PATU is partially funded by a grant from the Automobile Theft Prevention Authority. PATU works closely with auto insurance companies and police departments within Wayne County.
Once a warrant request is initiated by a police agency, a specialized PATU prosecutor oversees the case from beginning (investigation) to end (sentencing). Since the creation of PATU 19 years ago, auto theft related crimes in Wayne County has decreased over 30%. PATU averages 1,800 new cases per year.
Contact Information
- You can contact PATU at 313-224-5760 or 313-224-7014
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Tips to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Suggested Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. My car was stolen. What should I do?
A. Immediately call the police in the area where the vehicle was stolen (i.e., if the car was stolen in Livonia, make a report with the Livonia Police Department). Time is essential in recovering stolen cars; the quicker the police department gets your vehicle's information, the quicker law enforcement agencies can locate your vehicle before it is stripped or possibly used in the commission of other crimes. You will need to supply your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and license plate number when you file the police report. Keep your copy of the police report for later reference.
After filing the police report call your insurance provider. Insurance companies cannot honor a claim until you file a police report. Keep copies of all insurance documents and correspondence for future reference.
Q. It's been a while since I've heard from the police. How can I find out about the status of my case?
A. Call the police department where you made the report. Refer to your copy of the incident report to identify your case.
Q. My car was recovered and is currently in impound. How do I get it back?
A. Call the officer in charge of your case for information and assistance.
Q. Once someone has been charged, how can I get restitution for the costs I incurred?
A. Car owner:
The PATU prosecutor handling the case will be contacting you. However, you can call PATU and they will provide you with information and assistance. To facilitate your request for information have the defendant's name and case number available.
Insurance company:
If you are seeking restitution for a paid claim, submit a letter to the Auto Theft unit including the following:
- Defendant's name
- Defendant's date of birth (if you have it)
- Case number (if you have it)
- Amount of restitution
Q. What is generally considered restitution?
A. Restitution is generally considered when:
- Damage to vehicle or value of vehicle if totaled
- The cost of renting a replacement vehicle or arranging alternative transportation
- Lost wages (related to the theft)
- Cost of items stolen from vehicle
- Insurance deductible
Be sure to retain documents from rental companies, employers, mechanics, etc., as documentation is necessary to determine restitution.
Q. The criminal case is closed but I have not received any restitution. What do I do?
A. Call the Wayne County Probation Office at (313) 224-7935. You will need to provide the defendant's name and case number and then will be forwarded to the defendant's probation officer who will assist you.
Q. What criminal penalty will the defendant receive?
A. The penalty ranges from probation to county jail or prison time, depending on case specific factors. General orders of restitution are always requested; specific amounts of restitution are ordered when the amount is available.
Q. Will I have to testify?
A. If the case proceeds to trial, the owner/victim is called to testify to a few details surrounding the theft.
Q. Where do I go to testify?
A. Trials are held at Frank Murphy Hall of Justice 1441 St. Antoine, Detroit, MI 48226. Prior to trial, you will receive a letter from the prosecutor or a subpoena from the officer in charge indicating the courtroom you are to report to.
Q. What are my rights as the victim of a crime?
A. You will receive a letter from a Victim Rights Specialist. The letter will include a victim impact statement, which you can complete to explain how the crime has affected you personally and financially, along with your recommendation of a penalty should the defendant be convicted. You also have the right to speak at the defendant's sentencing to explain the ways the crime has affected your life.
Q. I have information about an auto theft. Who can I contact?
A. To confidentially report auto theft related activity and become eligible for a reward of up to $10,000, call HEAT at 1-800-242-4328. For further information about reporting auto theft visit the HEAT (Help Eliminate Auto Theft) website at www.miheat.org.
Quick Tips to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
- Next time you order checks, have only your first initial and your last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they won't know your gender or if you sign your full first name, but your bank will know.
- Photocopy both sides of your wallet's contents. You will need this information if your wallet is stolen and you need to cancel your credit cards and vehicle registration.
- If your wallet or credit cards are stolen, report the theft to the police immediately. You may need the police report later when dealing with your credit providers.
- When you check out of a hotel that uses cards as keys, keep the cards. Those cards contain all the information that you gave the hotel for the reservation. Take the card with you and destroy it!
- If you have been a victim or want more information, visit the U.S. government's central website for information about identity theft at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/.
Suggested Links:
- MAVTI (Michigan Association of Vehicle Theft Investigators)
www.mavti.org
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