Welcome to Wayne County, Michigan

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.

A. Call the police department where you made the report. Refer to your copy of the incident report to identify your case.

A. Call the officer in charge of your case for information and assistance.

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.

B.  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

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 documentation from rental companies, employers, mechanics, etc., as documentation is necessary to determine restitution.

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.

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.

A. If the case proceeds to trial, the owner/victim is called to testify to a few details surrounding the theft.

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.

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.

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.