Virginia State Police Offer Rewards With New Program

The Virginia State Police Help Eliminate Auto Theft Program (H.E.A.T) is looking for the publics' help in putting an end to the illegal towing of abandoned, disabled or otherwise unattended vehicles. This state-wide problem is the result of the rising price of scrap metal. In an effort to combat this problem, the H.E.A.T. Program is offering rewards up to $25,000 for information about illegally towed vehicles or salvage yards that are purchasing these vehicles.

These vehicles are being towed from the side of the road and private properties as well as from public parking lots. It only takes eight seconds to a couple of minutes for a tow truck to pick up a car and drive off. The cars and trucks that are being stolen are generally older, heavier vehicles. Ultimately, these cars are sold to salvage yards or demolishers for their scrap metal value.

Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to find an unmarked tow truck getting ready to haul off your vehicle. When questioned, the driver says he's at the wrong address, but can't provide the correct address. Or, your car has some engine trouble, so you pull off the highway, call a friend to come pick you up so you can get help, and when you get back to your car, it is nowhere to be found.

These are just two examples of how unscrupulous tow truck drivers get away with stealing abandoned or unattended vehicles. If you have any knowledge about illegal towing, contact the H.E.A.T. Hot Line at www.heatreward.com or 1-800-947-HEAT (4328). If you have information that leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a H.E.A.T. reward of up to $25,000 and you will remain anonymous.

The H.E.A.T. Program is also offering the following advice to help Virginia citizens hang
on to their vehicles.

Drivers should always lock your vehicle and take the keys.

Park in a well-lit area.

If you have a front-wheel-drive vehicle pull in to the parking space. Rear-wheel-drive vehicles should be backed in to the parking space. Always set the
emergency brake.

Don't leave disabled vehicles abandoned on the side of the road. Call a reputable
tow truck operator or contact local law enforcement or the Virginia State Police.

Tow truck operators may attempt to coerce drivers into surrendering their vehicle,
which may result in the vehicle being shredded or held for exorbitant storage and
recovery fees.

Drivers should record all information about the tow truck, including tow truck company name and phone number, the truck's tag number, the operator's name and the tow truck's description.

The company name and phone number must be displayed on the side of the truck. Drivers should not let anyone tow their vehicle if that information is not prominently displayed.

If you have any knowledge about illegal towing, other vehicle thefts including motorcycles, or information about chop shops, contact the H.E.A.T. Hot Line at www.heatreward.com or 1-800-947-HEAT (4328). If you have information that leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a H.E.A.T. reward of up to $25,000 and you will remain anonymous.

Source; www.shoredailynews.com

Man Accused Of Stealing Vehicle and Avoiding Police Has Been Arrested

SNOW HILL -- The man accused of stealing an SUV from a Snow Hill area repair shop and driving it to Georgia has been arrested after avoiding police for more than a month.

Dennis J. Cross was arrested by officials from the Worcester County Sheriff's Office as he fled from a traffic stop in Berlin, police say.

The 19-year-old Greenbackville resident was in the passenger seat of a white Ford Explorer that was pulled over because of a broken headlight in late July. He allegedly quickly fled the scene, throwing a 12.5-ounce bag of suspected marijuana into the lap of the driver as he exited the vehicle. He was later found and served with additional warrants for his arrest. Cross faces charges of possession and intent to distribute resulting from the incident.

Authorities have been searching for Cross since he reportedly evaded police after being pulled over in an allegedly stolen car in Georgia. Charging documents filed in Worcester County District Court also accuse Cross of stealing a motorcycle from a Public Landing home and selling it to a man in the parking lot of McDonald's restaurant in Pocomoke City for $50.

On June 15, as he was walking around Public Landing, Cross allegedly stole the 2001 Honda Shadow, according to the documents.

"(He) was tired of walking and took the motorcycle for transportation," reads the statement of charges. Later that day, he allegedly reportedly went to Pocomoke City on the bike and picked up a friend, taking her for a ride, before selling it.

The following day, Cross and a 17-year-old, named in charging documents as Dylan Kelly, went to Chip's Auto Repair Shop on Shockley Road -- where Cross had at one time been employed -- and allegedly drove off in two SUVs from the lot, a GMC Yukon and a GMC Envoy.

"Kelly drove the 2003 GMC Yukon from the residence with Cross driving the Envoy," said the documents. "The GMC Yukon had mechanical problems and was abandoned on the shoulder of Route 113 (near Shad Landing). The two continued their trip in the Envoy."

Kelly, who is being charged as a juvenile, was arrested at a traffic stop in the Envoy in Fulton County, Ga., where he was accused of receiving stolen goods and later released. The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services also has charges against him, according to the documents.

Cross is charged with two counts of motor vehicle theft, two counts of theft, two counts of second-degree burglary and four counts of fourth-degree burglary from the incident. If found guilty of all charges, he could face up to 77 years in prison and a $35,000 fine.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled in Worcester County District Court on Aug. 27.

www.delmarvanow.com