Hundreds of the world’s top auto theft investigators have converged in Winnipeg for the 54th annual conference of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI).

“As the public auto insurer, Manitoba Public Insurance has a vested interest in the prevention of auto theft,” said Marilyn McLaren, President and CEO of Manitoba Public Insurance. “Last year auto theft cost the public insurer and its ratepayers about $38 million. It’s a social crime that has touched almost all Manitobans.”

This week’s conference is the culmination of nearly two years of planning -- Winnipeg was awarded the conference at the 2004 IAATI international conference held in Antwerp, Belgium. Winnipeg’s bid committee consisted of representatives from Manitoba Public Insurance, Winnipeg Police Service and Destination Winnipeg.

“The amount of auto theft expertise gathering in Winnipeg is absolutely incredible,” said Jack Ewatski, Chief of Winnipeg Police Service. “Auto theft is certainly a world-wide concern, highlighting the importance of such conferences.”

The benefits of hosting this conference will be reflected positively in tourism dollars injected into the city, said Stuart Duncan, President, Destination Winnipeg.

"Winnipeg has a proud tradition of adding something extra to international conferences and events that come to our city," said Duncan. 

“Destination Winnipeg was pleased to partner with the local champions in the quest to bring the IAATI conference to our city.  We all win!"

IAATI has a world-wide membership of nearly 4,000 members who are dedicated to the prevention, investigation and arrest of auto thieves.

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