January 7, 2009

Manitoba’s 2008 auto theft numbers lowest in 16 years: Manitoba Public Insurance
Lower theft rates resulted in a 3.6 rate reduction over the last three years

Manitoba’s auto theft rates have dipped to levels not seen since the early-Nineties, driven by a more than 40 per cent decrease in auto theft in Winnipeg, according to 2008 claims data released today by Manitoba Public Insurance.

Last year 3,173 vehicles were stolen in Winnipeg, 2,303 fewer than 2007. All total, 4,465 vehicles were stolen in Manitoba, compared to 6,977 in ’07.  This is the lowest number of thefts since 1993.

“The drop in auto theft is attributed to the three-way partnership of the province’s mandatory immobilizer program, the Winnipeg Police Service’s Auto Theft Unit and Manitoba Justice’s Winnipeg Auto Theft Suppression Strategy,” said Marilyn McLaren, president and chief executive officer of Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Clearly, progress is being made in the battle against auto theft,” said McLaren. “The benefits flow right back to Manitobans in the form of lower Autopac rates, which have decreased by 3.6 per cent over the last two insurance years.”

The record-low theft numbers announced today clearly demonstrate that approved immobilizers are the most effective deterrent to theft.

“Today, approved immobilizers are protecting nearly 73 per cent of the Most-at-Risk vehicles registered in Winnipeg, and more than half of all vehicles in the province,” said McLaren.

Manitoba Public Insurance has dedicated its efforts to reducing auto theft in Winnipeg and throughout the province. Owners of a Most at Risk vehicle are eligible to receive a free immobilizer from Manitoba Public Insurance, in addition to a yearly discount of $40 off basic Autopac.

―30―

Contact: