The Canadian government has announced a new national plan to combat auto theft, which includes changes to the Criminal Code.
According to Public Safety Minister Bill Blair, auto theft is a serious issue that not only affects individuals but also has a significant impact on the economy and public safety. In 2020, there were over 85,000 reported cases of motor vehicle theft in Canada, resulting in an estimated $1.2 billion in losses.
The new plan, titled the National Strategy to Address Auto Theft, aims to reduce the number of stolen vehicles and increase the chances of recovery. It includes measures such as enhancing law enforcement efforts, increasing public awareness, and implementing tougher penalties for offenders.
One of the key changes to the Criminal Code is the creation of a new offence for tampering with a vehicle identification number (VIN). This will make it easier for law enforcement to prosecute individuals who alter or remove VINs to conceal the identity of a stolen vehicle.
The plan also includes the development of a national database for stolen vehicles, which will allow police services across the country to share information and increase the chances of recovery. Additionally, the government will be investing in new technology, such as automatic license plate recognition, to help identify stolen vehicles.
In addition to these measures, the government will be working with insurance companies to develop a national standard for immobilizers, which are devices that prevent a vehicle from being started without the proper key. This will make it more difficult for thieves to steal cars and will also result in lower insurance premiums for vehicle owners.
The National Strategy to Address Auto Theft is a collaborative effort between the federal government, provincial and territorial governments, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders. It is expected to be implemented over the next five years.
Minister Blair emphasized that this plan is just one part of the government’s overall strategy to keep Canadians safe and secure. He also urged the public to take precautions, such as locking their vehicles and not leaving valuables inside, to help prevent auto theft.
The government’s commitment to tackling auto theft is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that these measures will have a significant impact on reducing the number of stolen vehicles in Canada.
