Manitoba merchants are joining the fight against auto theft by posting signs warning vehicle owners to protect their vehicles from would-be auto thieves.

In partnership with Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) shopping malls and parking lot operators throughout the province will post auto theft prevention awareness signs as a visual reminder that it only takes a few seconds to protect your parked vehicle and its contents from auto thieves. The plan is to post 1,000 signs over the summer.

The auto theft warning signs ask drivers three very important questions before leaving their vehicle:

• Are valuables out of sight?
• Is the anti-theft device on?
• Are the doors locked?

"I'm very pleased to see business people-whether they're shopping mall owners, parking lot owners or independents-taking this leadership role," said MPI's Vice-President of Public Affairs John Douglas. "We all know that the fight to reduce auto theft requires a community effort and today we're seeing leadership from people who care about the safety of their customers."

Douglas said that it's important to remember that auto theft can happen anywhere and any time. "It's important that people take a few seconds to protect themselves whether they are parked in their driveway, on the street or in a parking lot," he said. "The parking lot signs will serve as a friendly-but firm-reminder."

The Manitoba Public Insurance theft prevention awareness signs are initially being installed at major shopping centres including Polo Park, Garden City, Kildonan Place, St. Vital and Grant Park as well as at University of Manitoba parking lots. MPI will continue to work with other business operators around Manitoba to encourage them to take part in the parking lot auto theft prevention awareness sign program.

"This is an excellent public awareness program that we think is important for our customers,"
said Deborah Green, Centre Manager Cadillac-Fairview Polo Park.

"The auto theft prevention awareness signs provide an important reminder at the right time to allow our customers to take positive action to prevent theft-and that benefits everyone."

Theft Awareness Parking Lot Audits Resume

Manitoba Public Insurance is also resuming its program to remind motorists to "target harden" their vehicles against theft. Throughout the summer, Manitoba Public Insurance summer staff will conduct parking lot audits throughout the province. During an audit, informational tickets are placed on vehicles explaining how the motorist can better protect their vehicle or congratulating the owner for taking steps to help prevent theft.

"Last year, more than 3,000 vehicles were audited and the data collected this year will help us better understand the theft problem and how to prevent it," said Denise Tougas, MPI Youth Crew Team Leader. She added that one of the season's first audits is set to occur during the June 28 Blue Bomber game and that the team will also be promoting auto theft prevention during the game.

Last year in Manitoba a record 11,750 auto theft claims were reported to Manitoba Public Insurance, costing the public insurer and its ratepayers about $28 million. MPI research has shown that every part of the city is vulnerable to theft and that, amazingly, nearly three-quarters of young offender thieves interviewed during one study said they had stolen a vehicle with the keys in it.

Vigilance and awareness on the part of vehicle owners, as well as the use of effective anti-theft devices, such as electronic immobilizers, are important individual measures in fighting auto crime.