Today, the Provincial Auto Theft and Towing Team, led by the Ontario Provincial Police, along with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), announced the dismantling of a criminal organization involved in the illegal movement of stolen vehicles from Canada to overseas destinations. Following the announcement, Liam McGuinty, Vice-President, Federal Affairs, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), issued the following statement:
“IBC applauds the CBSA and law enforcement for their continued dedication to combatting auto theft. Today’s announcement detailed that the organized auto theft ring included owners and operators of several registered businesses within the freight forwarding sector, as well as individuals allegedly involved in the theft of vehicles across Ontario. IBC has called on the government to implement measures that ensure accountability and prevent the operation of ‘fly-by-night’ freight forwarders and other unscrupulous business entities.
“Thanks, in large part, to the concerted efforts of federal and provincial governments and law enforcement, the rate of auto theft has dropped over the past year. But there’s more to do as auto theft rates remain above historical levels and auto theft continues to disrupt the lives of Canadians, causing trauma and fear in communities across the country. Since 2014, the number of auto theft claims has increased by 115% and insurance losses from these auto theft claims have risen by 371%.
“IBC continues to encourage the federal government to implement all recommendations within its National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft, including requiring new rules for freight forwarders and strengthening the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to ensure vehicles are better designed to prevent theft.”
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