Government Unveils National Action Plan to Combat Auto Theft

 

Auto theft is a significant concern in Canada, impacting thousands of citizens each year. In response, the federal government has introduced a comprehensive National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft. Here are the key points from this plan:

1. Disrupting Organized Crime Groups: The action plan focuses on disrupting, dismantling, and prosecuting the organized criminal networks involved in auto theft. This collaborative effort involves federal, provincial, and territorial governments, as well as law enforcement agencies.

2. Intelligence Sharing and Collaboration: Ramped-up intelligence sharing among police forces and a working group involving all levels of government are part of the strategy. The goal is to enhance collaboration, detect stolen vehicles, and prevent their illegal export.

3. CBSA’s Role: The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) plays a critical role in preventing auto theft. The CBSA invests $28 million to detect and search shipping containers for stolen vehicles. They also collaborate with law enforcement partners to identify individuals involved in the stolen vehicle supply chain.

4. Legal Penalties and Amendments: The government proposes amendments to the criminal code, including new charges related to violent car thefts, links to organized crime, and money laundering. Additionally, owning or selling electronic devices commonly used for car theft will become illegal. A new aggravating factor will apply to thieves who involve youth in their operations.

5. Expanded Inspections and Training: The strategy calls for expanding shipment container inspections beyond ports, including rail yards. The RCMP will teach courses on auto theft techniques at the Canadian Police College, and a GPS tracking protocol will aid in locating missing vehicles.

By implementing these measures, the government aims to curb auto theft, protect citizens, and reduce the financial burden caused by this criminal activity.