Auto theft summit set to begin in Ottawa on Thursday

Police forces, automakers and political leaders are set to look to the federal government Thursday on how to curb rising auto thefts across the country in a national summit being held on the issue in Ottawa.

Authorities continue to report record numbers of cars being stolen from driveways, parking lots and even when the driver is behind the wheel, which is prompting lower level governments to demand more solutions.

Officials from Ontario and Quebec will be very much present at the summit on Thursday and Friday and police agencies say auto thefts rose by 50 per cent in 2022.

In Hamilton and Halton alone, police services say thefts began to spike in 2021. Major topics that will be discussed are the traffic at railyards and ports like the Montreal Port.

Canada Border Agents also say there was a vehicle up tick in 2021.

Automakers say they continue to improve technology, while the province of Ontario is boasting about investment in police forces.

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“The fob was introduced and then we saw an immediate decline in theft rates because that new technology was hard to overcome. Now, due to all the investments by organized crime groups, you’re seeing efforts to get past that system,” says President of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association, Brian Kingston.

“So no matter what is done, if we don’t address the root issues, which is crime, it will be impossible to constantly stay ahead of the efforts of these organized crime groups in Canada.”

Solicitor General Michael Kerzner wrote a letter to Canada Safety Minister Dominic Leblanc to toughen laws on vehicle thefts.

“One of the things that we’ll be asking the federal government tomorrow at the auto theft summit is to review the criminal code, review the element that deals with the consequences and look at auto theft in a serious way. That if you steal a car, there should be meaningful consequences.” says Kerzner.

The minister and Manufacturers Association want to see improved screening practices and more boots on the ground at ports.

Meanwhile, ahead of the summit the federal government has announced an additional $28-million investment to implement those solutions.

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