Fighting $600-million tab for auto theft demands co-operation: IBC

Changing trends and the complexity of auto theft in the country, estimated to cost Canadians $600 million annually, demands the co-operation and involvement of many partners, notes a statement from the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).

On average, about 420 cars are stolen every day in Canada. These costs are reflected in resulting health care, emergency services, court and insurance costs that may lead to increased premiums for everyone, the statement adds.

More seriously, IBC adds that approximately 40 people die and 65 are injured as a direct result of auto theft.

“Auto theft is a danger to public safety and a lucrative business that defies all boundaries,” Amanda Dean, IBC’s vice president, Atlantic, says in the statement. “The insurance industry and law enforcement are committed to working together to stay ahead of these criminals,” Dean adds.

IBC and PATNET (Provincial Auto Theft Network) are working to fight auto theft by hosting a new training seminar for the first time outside of New Brunswick today in Truro, Nova Scotia. The training session – which provides key information to law enforcement about the warning signs of how to spot stolen vehicles, ways to know what is permitted to allow roadside search and seizure and how to carry the investigation beyond the roadside – was made possible at a minimal cost thanks in part to local sponsors NS CICMA (Bluenose Chapter), Impact Auto and Maritime Auto Salvage and Supply.

NS PATNET is part of IBC Investigative Services. “The partnership created between NS PATNET and Nova Scotia Police Services will ensure that police officers have access to the best practices and training in the prevention and identification of stolen autos in our province,” says Chief Mark Mander of the Kentville Police Service.

In 2013, the network expanded into Nova Scotia and later this year will expand into Prince Edward Island.