How does law enforcement deal with the estimated $600 million problem of auto theft in Canada?

PATNET expands into Nova Scotia

HALIFAX, Sept. 24, 2013 /CNW/ - Auto theft in Canada is estimated to cost Canadians $600 million each year. Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and PATNET (Provincial Auto Theft Network) are working to fight auto theft by hosting a Basic Vehicle Identification training seminar for the first time outside of New Brunswick today in Truro, Nova Scotia. The training session will focus on vehicle identification and theft investigations.

"Auto theft is a danger to public safety and a lucrative business that defies all boundaries. Due to changing trends and the complexity of the issue, the fight against vehicle theft requires the cooperation and involvement of many partners like PATNET. The insurance industry and law enforcement are committed to working together to stay ahead of these criminals," says Amanda Dean, Vice-President, Atlantic, IBC.

On average, a car is stolen every three and a half minutes in Canada - that's approximately 420 per day. Auto theft costs Canadians millions of dollars a year. The cost to the public is reflected in resulting health care, emergency services, court and insurance costs which in turn causes increased premiums for everyone. More seriously, auto theft costs people their lives. Car thieves have no regard for public safety or the rules of the road. Every year, approximately 40 people die and 65 are injured as a direct result of auto theft.

"NS PATNET is part of IBC Investigative Services strategy to build partnerships to expand this valued program in the Atlantic region.  By expanding the network beyond New Brunswick, PATNET is becoming a lead service provider to our Atlantic police community in fighting auto theft and insurance crime in the region," says Guy Ouellette, Auto Theft Investigator, Atlantic with IBC.

The training session will provide key information to law enforcement on 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.

"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. The NS Chiefs of Police Association is very appreciative of the leadership shown by Insurance Bureau of Canada Investigative Services to create this opportunity to fight auto theft," says Mark Mander, Chief of Police,   Kentville Police Service.

Interest in the program has grown substantially. In 2013, the network has expanded into Nova Scotia and later this year in Prince Edward Island. PATNET already has success stories to its credit, including investigations in Ontario and Quebec that resulted in the recovery of stolen cargo loads from New Brunswick.

The success of these PATNET seminars demonstrates the need for continued knowledge sharing and partnerships to help the law enforcement community better deal with their investigative challenges. Education and raising awareness is an important key to achieving the goal of vehicle theft reduction and improved investigation.

This Basic Vehicle Identification seminar 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.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 118,600 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $46 billion.

To view media releases and other information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau or like us on Facebook.

SOURCE: INSURANCE BUREAU OF CANADA

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

To schedule an interview, please contact:

Helen Lialias
Media Relations Officer
Insurance Bureau of Canada
416-362-2031 x 4312
[email protected]