On behalf of its members, IBC assists in the recovery of $3.4M in stolen vehicles

Joint auto theft investigation leads to 24 arrests, recovery of 60 stolen vehicles

TORONTO, Nov. 25, 2016 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada is proud to have participated in Project Cyclone, a successful joint auto theft investigation involving multiple police services including York Regional Police, Peel Regional Police, the Toronto Police Service and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Project Cyclone has led to the arrest of 24 individuals. Guns, drugs and $200,000 in cash were also seized. The investigation resulted in the recovery of 60 stolen vehicles valued at a total of $3.4 million.

"IBC is proud to have supported our partners in the successful completion of Project Cyclone," said Dan Beacock, Director, Auto Theft (Ontario and Atlantic), IBC. "Insurance crime is big business. When they cheat, we all pay. IBC and police services rely on help from the community to catch thieves and insurance fraudsters. That is why we always encourage people with information about insurance crime to report it online at ibc.ca, call IBC's anonymous TIPS Line at 1-877-IBC-TIPS or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS."

In support of Project Cyclone, IBC investigators provided vehicle histories and insurance information on stolen vehicles. IBC also assisted CBSA with the seizure of a cargo container in Toronto. IBC investigators at the ports of Halifax and Montreal assisted with the recovery of vehicles destined to be shipped overseas.

For the second consecutive year, auto theft across Canada is on the rise. It went up 6% year over year, after a pattern of large declines over the last decade.

IBC reminds you that it takes less than a minute for a car thief to steal your vehicle. Protect your vehicle by following these tips:

• Never leave your vehicle running when unattended.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• When parking your car, always close the windows and lock the doors.
• Put valuables and packages in the trunk, where they're out of sight.
• Keep your car in the garage at night.
• Don't leave personal information in the glove box.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.

P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 120,000 Canadians, pays $8.2 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $49 billion.

For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.

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

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada

To schedule an interview, please contact: Andrew McGrath, Manager, Media Relations, IBC, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312, [email protected]