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

PATNET expands into Nova Scotia

HALIFAX, Sept. 23, 2013 /CNW/ -

WHAT:	Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and Nova Scotia Provincial Auto Theft Network (NS PATNET) host Basic Vehicle Identification, a unique training seminar to help law enforcement officials identify, investigate and prevent incidents of auto theft.
WHY:	Auto theft is big business and presents a significant and growing threat in Canada, putting individuals and communities at risk.  It is estimated that organized crime networks are behind one in five vehicle thefts. The trafficking in stolen vehicles is more profitable than many other black market activities estimated to cost Canadians $600 million each year.
	Join IBC Investigators Parker Rodd and Guy Ouellette, and law enforcement representatives from the RCMP, Saint John Police Force, Canadian Police Information Centre, and NS Provincial Motor Vehicle Registry to learn firsthand how some of these thefts are taking place, what to look for to ensure you are not a victim, and what the police and insurance industry are doing to fight auto theft.
	The Basic Vehicle Identification training session is part of the industry and law enforcement's PATNET (Provincial Auto Theft Network; a growing core of law enforcement officials who have received specialized training in the identification of motor vehicles that have been stolen or otherwise impacted though fraudulent activities).
WHEN:	Event runs Tuesday, September 24, 2013, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
	Media availability from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. or by scheduling an appointment post-conference.
WHERE:	Best Western Hotel, 150 Willow St B2N 4Z6, Truro, NS

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

or to schedule an interview, contact:

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