IBC hosts "Red Flags at the Roadside" training session for police defending consumers against auto theft and fraud

DIEPPE, NB, June 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and PATNET (Provincial Auto Theft Network) are hosting Red Flags at the Roadside today in Dieppe, New Brunswick. This is the second annual training session to help law enforcement officials identify motor vehicle theft and fraud activities that cost consumers millions of dollars in New Brunswick.

"Fraudsters are getting very creative and sophisticated in their elaborate and dangerous schemes to defraud honest consumers. The police and the insurance industry are working together to stay ahead of them," says Bill Adams, VP, Atlantic region with IBC.

According to Constable Keith Copeland of the Saint John Police Force, Stolen Auto Unit, "PATNET is an extremely important tool that can reduce auto theft and fraud activity, and help keep the public safe from the criminals who engage in those activities."

Vehicle theft and fraud is big business, costing New Brunswickers approximately $4.5 million and Canadians overall nearly $500 million each year.

"When we raise the level of awareness of our law enforcement community, we see the number of recovered stolen vehicles rise proportionally," says Guy Ouellette, Investigative Services, Atlantic region with IBC.

At the training session attendees will learn; how criminals attempt to disguise stolen vehicles; the authority of law enforcement for search and seizures under the criminal code; and provincial statutes applying to fraud.

"These specialized sessions also allow trainees to see the "red flags" first hand; to understand how some of these frauds take place; and what to look for to ensure early awareness of the signs of illegal activity in order to protect the public." says Adams.

Interest in the program has grown substantially. More than 115 law enforcement officials have pre-registered for the event. Many are travelling from other provinces for the training.

Adams adds, "This level of interest shows a strong awareness of the need for robust investigation and prosecution to combat auto theft and fraud. Such specialized training is a key milestone in achieving that goal."

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 114,000 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $40 billion.

To view media releases and information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca and for IBC on Twitter follow @insurancebureau.

or to schedule an interview, contact:

Steve Olmstead
Manager, Government Relations, Atlantic Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada
902-497-5964
[email protected]

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

Ellen Woodger
Communications Consultant
Insurance Bureau of Canada
416-483-2358
[email protected]