Students from five Winnipeg schools will be honoured today for their outstanding efforts in educating their peers about the dangers and consequences of auto theft.

The seven students were selected from more than 300 entries submitted to the second annual Winnipeg Multi-Media Challenge, an auto theft awareness contest sponsored by Manitoba Justice, Manitoba Public Insurance and the Winnipeg Police Service.

Winners will receive a $500 prize presented by representatives from Manitoba Public Insurance, Manitoba Justice and the Winnipeg Police Service. The Challenge was aimed at students in Grades 7 and 8.

“Young people represent the front line in preventing auto theft,” said Barry Ward, Executive Director of the National Committee to Reduce Auto Theft. “The typical auto thief will steal his or her first car at 13. Therefore, educating young people about auto theft is an important step in reducing this crime. All of the winners demonstrated a very positive approach to this very serious social issue.”

In addition to the Multi-Media Challenge, provincial programs such as Turnabout and Shifting Gears are specifically aimed at educating young people about both the dangers and consequences of auto theft.

2004 Winners

1. Story – "The Price" by Chloe Slessor (Grade 8), Gordon Bell High School
2. Story – “Realizing Too Late” by Cheyenne Cross (Grade 7), David Livingstone School
3. Video – “no title” by Katie Russell, Jennilee Martin & Kyla Boiteau (Grade 7), Darwin School
4. Poster – "Auto Theft: Where is the JOY in JOYRIDE?" by Kelsey Bachalo (Grade 7), Lincoln School
5. Comic Strip – "Pourquoi Voler?" by Sara Fournier (Grade 7), École Christine-Lespérance

Last year, claims and other costs related to auto theft in Manitoba amounted to $28 million. Nearly 11,000 stolen vehicle claims were reported to Manitoba Public Insurance in 2003/04.

“Response to the challenge was tremendous,” said contest organizer Marci Riel, an Auto Theft Issue Specialist with Manitoba Public Insurance. “It was obvious that a lot of thought and effort went into the entries. All the participants should be proud of their work.”

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 Contact:
Brian Smiley
Media Relations
(204) 985-7300 or 1-888-554-9549