FRANCAIS

January 28, 2002

The second part of a powerful awareness campaign aimed at making Manitoba's roads safer was launched today by Attorney General Gord Mackintosh, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance, and Transportation and Government Services Minister Steve Ashton.

"The cost of vehicle theft goes beyond the damage done to property and it is far from a victimless crime," Mackintosh said. "Too many Manitobans have been seriously injured and killed as a direct result of people driving stolen cars. Vehicle theft can also lead to the commission of other serious crimes. Preventing car theft helps save others from being victimized as well."

"This campaign tells Manitobans about tough new changes to the Highway Traffic Act designed to hit vehicle thieves hard. Vehicle theft is a serious problem and we want criminals to know they will be held accountable," Ashton added. "We want to make our streets safer and raising public awareness of the problem is one way to help accomplish that goal."

The first part of the 'You Lose' campaign focused on curbing drinking and driving. Both parts of the campaign let Manitobans know about tough new laws that came into force Dec. 1.

If you steal a vehicle in Manitoba, you could:

• Lose your driver’s licence. Suspension can range from five years to life.
• Lose the chance to get a valid driver’s licence at age 16. First-time offenders under age 16 must wait until they are 21 to take a driver’s test.
• Lose your future and gain a criminal record.
• Lose future job and travel opportunities as a result of a criminal record.
• Lose thousands of dollars by having to repay the damages caused by theft or vandalism. This also applies to passengers.
• Lose the opportunity to obtain auto insurance.

The campaign includes tent cards, billboards, transit, television, radio and print advertisements. It can also be viewed online at www.youlose.mb.ca. The second part of the campaign will cost about $150,000 and is scheduled to start running today.

The awareness campaign complements other MPI and provincial initiatives to combat auto theft including MPI’s Special Investigations Unit, the provision of rate discounts to owners who use a Vehicle Information Centre of Canada approved anti-auto theft immobilizer device and nearly $500,000 to the Winnipeg Police Service Auto Theft Unit.

"We're all paying the rising costs of auto theft," Ashton concluded. "We all need to take steps to help prevent these crimes."

"In partnership with the police, prosecutors, the courts and insurers we recognize that you lose more than a car when you're a victim of auto theft," said Mackintosh. "Vehicles may be a critical part of someone’s livelihood, or hold a deeper value, representing one’s freedom to travel or even a sense of security. We want Manitobans to know that we take these crimes seriously."

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Last year, six Manitobans died, four others were left with serious and lasting impairments and 40 more were injured in accidents involving stolen vehicles. More than $23 million in theft-related vehicle claims affected all MPI policy holders.

• Lock your doors and take the key with you, even if you are only stepping away for a few minutes. Never leave the keys in the car or the car running unattended.
• Close all of your windows.
• Don’t keep a spare key in or on the vehicle. Thieves may think of the same hiding spots you have.
• Use an anti-theft device. When buying a car, ask about anti-theft options such as steering column locks, alarms, switches that interrupt the fuel or electronic systems, and locks for tape decks, batteries and gas tanks.
• Don’t put an identification tag on your key ring that could help a thief locate your car and burglarize your home if your keys are lost or stolen. Do mark things like your car stereo with an identification number to increase the odds it will be recovered if it is stolen.
• Carry your vehicle registration with you instead of leaving it in the vehicle.
• If possible, lock your valuables in the trunk. Try not to leave items that might tempt a thief in plain view.
• Choose to park in well-lit and busy areas rather than unattended lots when you can.

• Some specialized vehicles don't have Vehicle Identification Numbers and should be marked with another ID number.
• Lock up items that could easily be carried away before leaving your vehicle.
• Use secured boxes for your truck. Don't assume a thief can't lift the box just because it's heavy.

• If your vehicle is stolen, let the police know about it right away. All too often, stolen vehicles are used to help commit other crimes. Quick action by you may help police find your vehicle faster and keep it from being used for illegal purposes.