PATNET - Fighting Auto Theft in Alberta

RED DEER, AB, March 15, 2016 /CNW/ - The fight against auto insurance fraud takes a huge step forward with the launch of the PATNET (Provincial Auto Theft Network) program in Alberta. 

Today is the first day of a 2-day PATNET training session in Red Deer. The session has drawn interest from more than 100 law enforcement officers from Alberta and British Columbia. At the event, the participants learn how to investigate vehicle-related crime, including how to detect the cloning of vehicle identification numbers, the use of salvage, evidence handling and the components of auto-crime search warrants.

"We are delighted to launch this award-winning program in Alberta," said Bill Adams, Vice-President, Western & Pacific, IBC. "PATNET has helped successfully bring together the law enforcement community to reduce auto theft and fraud in the Atlantic region. We hope it will serve as a model for other jurisdictions, including right here in Alberta."

Insurance fraud is a serious problem costing as much as $1.6 billion a year, and we should all be concerned by the waste of resources that occurs due to the amount of crime, fraud and abuse in the system. The insurance industry has done much to fight crime, and this has always included huge support from the law enforcement community. 

While statistics suggest that auto theft has been on the decline over the past decade, in 2014 there was a 1% increase, with 73,964 vehicles being stolen across Canada that year.

IBC co-founded PATNET in 2010 to build partnerships between the property and casualty insurance industry and law enforcement agencies to better combat auto theft. The network links police officers and IBC's auto theft and fraud investigators through ongoing training programs, seminars, regular communication and information-sharing.

"These types of courses are of great assistance to police officers by enhancing their skills when responding to complaints of insurance fraud and vehicle theft," said Red Deer RCMP Superintendent Scott Tod. "We are aware of the success of the program in Eastern Canada, and it certainly satisfies the need for continued knowledge, and exemplifies the value of sharing intelligence and partnerships between insurers and the law enforcement community."

For more details on this award-winning program, visit ibc.ca. 

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 @IBC_West or 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: Ariella Kimmel, Manager, Media Relations, 416-362-2031 ext. 4312 (office), 416-550-9062 (after hours), [email protected]