"Over the last two decades, Manitoba has struggled to reverse a rapid rise in auto theft. In 2007 about 20 vehicles were stolen every day in Manitoba". That was four years ago, and things have changed since then.

MPI spokesperson Brian Smiley says "Auto theft in Manitoba has seen some major declines and that's a result of a number of things." In 2010, auto theft in rural Manitoba was down 7 percent.  Smiley says, "Immobilizers is a huge factor."

Some changes they've noticed is that auto theft no longer seems to be a gang related activity, and now it seems young children are getting involved.

 

 


Smiley says most vehicles that are stolen, had the keys left in the ignition, so he reminds us to always take keys and valuables with us and to lock the doors.

 

For more information on auto theft in Manitoba, visit Manitoba Public Insurance's website .