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VICTORIA – Auto theft in B.C. dropped by 19 per cent in 2006 from the previous year and break-ins were down 13 per cent, Solicitor General John Les announced today in reporting out on February’s Auto Crime Enforcement Month.
In 2006, there were 17,000 vehicles reported stolen to ICBC versus 21,000 in 2005. In 2006, there were 28,000 vehicle break-ins reported compared to 32,000 in 2005.
“For the fourth
consecutive year, auto crime is down in B.C.,” said Les. “The numbers are clear
– our provincial auto crime strategy is working and bait cars remain a
significant trap for would-be car thieves.”
The statistics from car theft claims
made to ICBC also show some regions with even bigger reductions in auto theft.
Greater Vancouver dropped 24 per cent in 2006 – in 2005, 8,200 cars were stolen
in the region compared to 6,200 cars reported stolen to ICBC in 2006.
Similarly, the Fraser Valley showed an 18 per cent drop in car theft in 2006.
There were some increases in auto
theft on Vancouver Island and the North/Central Region. However, the Integrated
Municipal Provincial Auto Crime Team (IMPACT) can deploy resources to the areas
that most need them. They have also recently added a dedicated member from the
Victoria Police Department to help develop auto crime strategies specific to
the region.
When Auto Crime Enforcement Month
was launched Feb. 1 by the Solicitor General, he released photos of IMPACTs
‘Top 10 Most Wanted Car Thieves.’ So far, police have nabbed six of the Top 10.
“I would
like to give credit to concerned citizens who called in tips and information
that greatly assisted the police in making the arrests,” said IMPACT’s Sergeant
Gord Elias. “I am asking for continued public support in arresting the final
four ‘most wanted’ car thieves and also want to remind motorists to choose an
anti-theft device for their vehicles.”
Even though Auto Crime Enforcement Month has ended,
IMPACT and police forces across the province will continue to turn up the heat
in an effort to drive down auto theft.
To view the four remaining Top 10 car thieves, go
to www.baitcar.com. For auto theft
statistics relating to regions, municipalities and vehicle break-in claims, go
to www.icbc.com/crime-fraud/.
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contact: |
Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General 250 356-6961 |
IMPACT 604 598-4456 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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