RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia State Police (VSP) Help Eliminate Auto Theft (HEAT) program presented awards to three Virginia police departments and 15 individuals to recognize their efforts in reducing vehicle theft and theft of vehicle parts across the Commonwealth. The awards ceremony took place on September 11 during the annual conference of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police & Foundation held in Norfolk.

The following awards were presented by First Sergeant Peter Lazear, HEAT Program Coordinator:

The Henrico County Police Division was the agency winner for departments serving a population of more than 100,000. The Harrisonburg Police Department took the top prize for departments serving a population from 20,001 to 100,000, and the Salem Police Department was a finalist in that category. 

Detective Mark Lowery, Norfolk Police Department, was an individual winner for departments serving a population of more than 100,000, and Virginia State Police Trooper Matthew Hedgepeth (Petersburg/Dinwiddie/Nottoway), and Virginia State Police Special Agent Bryce Meekins (Chesapeake Division) were winners across the Commonwealth.

Mr. Mark Smith, owner of Midas of Richmond, was a winner in the private sector category.

Individual finalists for departments serving populations of more than 100,000 were Detective Ryan Crowder, Norfolk Police Department, and Detective Aaron Lancaster, Detective Jason VonCanon, and Officer Christopher Silk, Henrico County Police Division.

Certificates of merit were presented to Officer Daniel Crosby, Jr., Officer Tyler Giannini, Officer Christopher Signorelli, Officer Derek Thurman, and Officer Jacob Wootton, Henrico County Police Division, for departments serving a population of over 100,000; and Virginia State Police Trooper Scott Craig (Harrisonburg/Rockingham County) and Virginia State Police Trooper Andrew Murley (Harrisonburg/Rockingham County).

The HEAT Awards program is open to all Virginia law enforcement entities and employees in auto theft enforcement and prevention. “We are grateful to law enforcement agencies and officers from throughout Virginia who join the Virginia State Police in fighting vehicle theft,” First Sgt. Lazear said. “These annual awards are an opportunity to recognize outstanding efforts.”

“Virginia citizens also have an important role to play in preventing auto theft,” said First Sgt. Lazear. “By following a few common-sense tips, they can protect their vehicles.” The HEAT program recommends the following:

 

• Take your keys and lock your doors every time you leave your vehicle.

• Never leave valuables in plain sight in your vehicle. Place them in the trunk or somewhere out of sight.
• Be aware of your surroundings when out and about.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Invest in an audible or visible deterrent.
• Install GPS or other tracking devices.