Local Sheriffs’ Offices Recognized for Fighting Car Theft

A number of sheriff’s departments throughout the state were recognized by the Virginia State Police (VSP) in the 2010-2011 Operation HEATWave Awards competition. Among them was the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, which was presented with an award at a ceremony during the annual conference of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association (VSA) earlier this month.  

The awards are part of a cooperative program between VSP, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, and local law enforcement agencies. Winners are selected by judges from the insurance industry, partnering law enforcement agencies and the DMV for their exemplary actions related to intelligence, prevention, enforcement and recoveries in fighting the crime of vehicle theft. 

“Obviously, I’m very proud of what’s been done here,” said Loudoun County Sheriff Stephen Simpson. Simpson, as well as Special Operations Division Commander Major Don Park, were presented the first place award for Division 7, Northern Virginia.

“We’ve really taken it serious within the past couple years," he said. "We’ve gotten very involved in the enforcement, the investigation, the prevention, the education, while trying to prevent [vehicle theft] from happening in the first place."

The HEAT program, which stands for Help Eliminate Auto Theft, operates in a manner similar to Crime Solvers, Crime Stoppers and the Drug Hotline. Citizens can call the statewide toll-free hotline, 1-800-947-HEAT, to report information about suspected carjackings, auto thefts or chop-shop operations.  Each caller remains anonymous throughout the entire process and those who supply tips leading to arrests are eligible for rewards of up to a $25,000 reward.

Simpson said his department has gotten "very aggressive" in the local area. Since the number has gone down significantly it's a good reflection that the prevention and education is really paying off, he said.

 “So often things like this go unnoticed because it’s routine, it’s part of what we do,” Simpson said. “Everyday we’re working on crime issues and crime prevention and trying to get caught up day to day. Not everything gets noticed. So it is nice when we’re recognized. It’s a little motivation and I think it’s good for the community to know that we’re doing the things we say we do. So I think it’s great to be recognized once in a while for these efforts.”