Media Advisory - Unique IBC workshop helps New Brunswick law enforcement deal with the growing problem of recreational vehicle theft - June 4, 2014

DIEPPE, NB, May 29, 2014 /CNW/ -

WHAT:	On June 4^th in Dieppe, New Brunswick, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) and New Brunswick Provincial Auto Theft Network (NB PATNET) will host Red Flags at the Roadside: Recreational Vehicle Theft Investigations for Patrol Officers. This one-of-a-kind training workshop will assist frontline law enforcement officers to identify, investigate and prevent increasing incidents of recreational vehicle theft.
WHY:	The growing problem of the theft of recreational vehicles, including water crafts, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles and trailers, accounts for a large percentage of all stolen vehicles in New Brunswick and costs consumers millions of dollars each year.
	Join IBC Investigator Guy Ouellette, IBC Atlantic Vice-President Amanda Dean, law enforcement representatives from the RCMP and BNPP, and a representative from Maritime Auto Parts to learn firsthand which recreational vehicles are being targeted, how these thefts are taking place, and how to identify red flags during investigations. In addition learn what the police and the property and casualty insurance industry are doing to fight recreational vehicle theft, and what people need to know to ensure they will not become victims. Demonstration recreational vehicles will be on site.
	The Red Flags at the Roadside sessions are part of the insurance 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 vehicles that have been stolen or otherwise affected by fraudulent activities. As a cofounder, IBC provides training and workshops and participates in the sharing of information about jurisdictional trends and vehicle theft activity. Since PATNET's inception in 2010, interest in programs such as Red Flags at the Roadside has grown, attracting law enforcement officials from across Canada.  In 2013, PATNET expanded its operations to Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
WHEN:	The seminar takes place on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 pm
	Media representatives are welcome to attend from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.  Spokespeople will be available for interviews at that time
WHERE:	Outside the Cineplex Cinemas, Crystal Palace Hotel, 499 Paul St., Dieppe, NB

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is pleased to celebrate 50 years as a valuable resource for insurance information. Since 1964, IBC has been working with governments across Canada to make our communities safer, championing issues that directly affect Canadians and the property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry. IBC is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the P&C insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 118,600 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes and levies to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $46 billion.

To view media releases and information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca.

SOURCE: Insurance Bureau of Canada

Steve Kee, Director, Media & Digital Communications, Insurance Bureau of Canada, 416-362-2031 ext. 4387, [email protected]; Ellen Woodger, Communications Consultant, Insurance Bureau of Canada, 416-483-2358, [email protected]