Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office Recognized For Fighting Car Theft

The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Octavia Johnson were recognized by the Virginia State Police (VSP) Help Eliminate Auto Theft (H.E.A.T.) Program in the 2011-2012 Operation HEATWave Awards competition.  Major David Bell and Deputy Robert Hudgins were presented with the First Place Award for District VI at a ceremony during the annual conference of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association at the Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach on Tuesday, September 11, 2012.

The Operation HEATWave Awards are part of a cooperative program between VSP, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and local law enforcement agencies.  They recognize exemplary actions related to intelligence, prevention, enforcement and recoveries in fighting the crime of vehicle theft.  The Roanoke City Sheriff’s Office was recognized in the area of prevention. Winners are selected by judges from the insurance industry, partnering law enforcement agencies and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

H.E.A.T. operates in a manner similar to Crime Solvers, Crime Stoppers and the Drug Hotline.  Citizens call the statewide toll-free hotline – 1-800-947-HEAT – to report information about suspected carjackings, auto thefts or chop-shop operations.  Tips also can be submitted by visiting the H.E.A.T. website – www.heatreward.com.  Tipsters remain anonymous throughout the process, and those who supply tips leading to arrests are eligible for rewards of up to $25,000.

By Carla M. Bream

     

Latest Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest Articles

- Advertisement -

Related Articles