NEW LEGISLATION TARGETS AUTO THEFT AND PROPERTY CRIME

OTTAWA, April 14, 2008 – Merv Tweed, MP for Brandon-Souris, said the Government of Canada’s new amendments to the Criminal Code that target auto theft and property crime are good news for Canadians and bad news for criminals.

 “It’s important that we make auto and property theft a serious crime,” said Tweed.  “These changes get tough on criminals, and will lead to fewer break-ins, fewer thefts and safer streets.”

 Trafficking in stolen cars and auto parts is a particular form of property crime that carries serious economic and public safety costs for Canadians. Approximately 170,000 vehicles are stolen in Canada each year. It is estimated that auto theft costs Canadians over $1 billion a year, and public safety is jeopardized by the dangerous driving associated with auto theft.

 The new legislation will make it a crime to:

• Alter, destroy or remove a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

• Knowingly, sell, give, transfer, transport, send or deliver goods that have been acquired criminally.

• Possess property known to be obtained through crime for the purpose of trafficking.

 In addition, the new legislation enables the Canada Border Services Agency to identify and prevent stolen property from entering or leaving the country.

 “Our Government has cracked down on crime by introducing several other bills since forming government and we will continue to get even tougher on those who break our laws,” said Tweed.  “Our first and foremost goal is to put the criminals out of business.”