
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, March 14, 1992                   TAG: 9203140073
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                LENGTH: Short

CAR THIEVES BEWARE -HOT LINE TRACKS YOU

The state has begun operating a statewide, toll-free hot line for citizens to report tips on car thieves and chop shops that illegally dismantle stolen vehicles.

Tipsters can call 1-800-947-HEAT seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Staffers at the Virginia Criminal Intelligence Center in Richmond will take the information, the state police and attorney general's office said.

Rewards of up to $10,000 will be made for information leading to the conviction of car thieves and chop-shop operators.

The General Assembly passed a bill authorizing the hot line last year and funds became available March 1.

by CNB