Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has applauded Prime Minister Harper’s recent announcement of tough new legislation to combat the serious problem of organized auto theft. “This is an important commitment made by the federal government to recognize that organized auto theft is a growing problem in Canada that threatens the safety and security of our communities,” said Rick Dubin, vice-president, Investigations, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).
New measures will target organized crime rings that steal vehicles with the intention of exporting them, selling them to unsuspecting buyers with altered Vehicle Identification Numbers, and chopping them for parts.
IBC has worked closely with government in recent years to highlight the increased frequency of these crimes, and proposed the solutions announced. IBC has also urged the passing of Bill C-343, which would make auto theft a separate offence in the Criminal Code, rather than treating it as a simple property crime.
“The measures announced yesterday, along with Bill C-343, go a long way to combating this very serious crime,” said Dubin. “But we look forward to seeing the federal government go even further. In particular, we would welcome amendments to the Youth Criminal Justice Act that would allow dangerous re-offenders to be held in custody pending trial while receiving rehabilitation, and more of a deterrent built into the system.”
The recent announcement was made in Winnipeg, which has the dubious distinction of having the highest per capita rate of car thefts in the country. Every year, auto theft costs Canadians more than $1 billion, and kills and seriously injures innocent victims.
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