Auto-Theft in Manitoba > Progress to Date
Immobilizers are locking out thieves.
In April 2006 we started offering immobilizers to owners of MaR vehicles at no cost—an extreme move in response to an extreme problem. We continue to offer immobilizers at reduced cost to all customers with unprotected vehicles.
Our efforts were aided in 2006 when the provincial government introduced a regulation requiring immobilizers be installed in vehicles that were last registered outside of the province. The regulations also made immobilizers mandatory in MaR vehicles involved in a theft claim.
In September 2007 immobilizers became mandatory in Most-at-Risk vehicles registered for use in, or to commute to, Winnipeg—vehicles that have proven to be consistent targets of thieves. The provincial regulation came into effect at the same time as new Transport Canada regulations that require all vehicles manufactured for sale in Canada after September 1, 2007 to have an immobilizer as standard equipment.
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| Although the problem is difficult and persistent, we have been able to reduce auto theft rates. | |
The federal and provincial strategies work together to reduce auto theft in Manitoba. While the federal strategy protects newer vehicles with factory installed immobilizers, the provincial strategy uses aftermarket immobilizers to protect older vehicles.
A few years ago, few Manitobans could describe what an immobilizer was or how it worked. Today more than 80 per cent know it’s the most effective protection against theft.
