Equipping vehicles with immobilizing systems is the most effective way to deter car thieves, according to the preliminary findings of an auto theft profile study released today by Manitoba Public Insurance at a Central Canadian Auto Theft Association (CCATA) meeting.

Manitoba Public Insurance commissioned a study of juvenile auto theft offenders through Prof. Rick Linden of the University of Manitoba Sociology Department to help police officers, MPI Special Investigation Unit officers and others gain a better understanding of the roots of auto crime.

"It's important to know what motivates car thieves," said Barry Ward, MPI Auto Theft Prevention Co-ordinator and executive director of the national auto theft prevention initiative, Project 6116.

"The purpose of this study was to get an up close and personal look into the world of an auto thief."

The auto thieves admitted that "thrill-seeking" and "joyriding" were the most common reasons they had for stealing vehicles. They also pointed out that they preferred certain types of vehicles and stayed away from others - particularly those equipped with effective anti-theft devices.

Results of this four-month study were highly enlightening, said Ward. "If auto theft is going to be reduced, we need to understand why they (young offenders) are involved."

A total of 43 young offenders were interviewed last summer at three institutions: Manitoba Youth Centre, Milner Ridge Correction Centre and Agassiz Youth Centre. Jeff Anderson, a sociology graduate student, working with Prof. Linden, carried out 45-minute interviews with the young offenders. Interview results were then submitted to Prof. Linden for review and summary.

While the MPI survey represented only a small percentage of juvenile auto theft offenders, the responses are highly educational in efforts to curb auto theft throughout Manitoba.

For example, the preliminary findings show:

Immobilizers were seen as the most effective theft deterrent

Joyriding (93 per cent of respondents) and for the thrill (84 per cent) were the most common reasons given for vehicle theft Ø 77 per cent said they had stolen a vehicle with the keys in it

46 per cent stated they stole vehicles at night, or late night

16 was the average age of the respondents

Almost half (47 per cent) of respondents reported using drugs every day

Respondents were not successful in school. On average, they were 2-3 years below their expected grade levels. They also had high rates of truancy

"Auto theft is also a precursor crime - the first step in a crime spree is often stealing a car," said MPI's Vice-President of Public Affairs John Douglas. "This study brings us one step closer to understanding what motivates thieves and the steps needed to reduce this crime.

The young offender survey preliminary findings will serve as a template for similar studies soon to be carried out by eight Canadian universities: Simon Fraser, Toronto, Carleton, Windsor, St. Mary's, Regina, Calgary and Montreal. The federal auto theft initiative, Project 6116, will also use the survey.

Manitoba Public Insurance strongly encourages the use of immobilizers. Last year, as part of its continuing battle against auto theft, MPI began offering a discount for motorists who equip their vehicles with an aftermarket immobilizer device approved by the former Vehicle Information Centre of Canada (now part of the Insurance Bureau of Canada).

The devices are passive immobilizing systems which disable several key vehicle systems - such as the ignition, starter and fuel systems -- if someone attempts to start it without the proper key.

Nearly 400 Manitobans have taken the extra step by having a VICC-approved device installed in their vehicle. Many more Manitobans have purchased vehicles with factory-installed versions of these devices and this has also been recognized through their Autopac premiums.

Last year, a record 10,791 auto thefts took place in Manitoba including 9,329 in Winnipeg. These thefts cost premium-payers $23 million and took a human toll in the form of injuries and death.

An earlier review of MPI theft claims files showed that every part of the city is vulnerable to theft. In particular, vehicle owners who live in the downtown, North End and northern parts of the city tend to have their vehicles stolen more frequently than those who live in other areas.