The federal government has announced the release of its National Action Plan on Combatting Auto Theft meant to disrupt, dismantle, and prosecute organized crime groups involved in stealing vehicles in Canada.
In a recent news release, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada said the plan builds on the national summit that took place in February. It highlights several measures and initiatives that can be implemented by the federal, provincial and territorial governments, as well as their partners.
“We know that auto thefts are increasing, and in some areas these crimes are becoming more violent,” said Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, in a statement. “We are committed to ensuring that the penalties for these crimes reflect their severity. This is why we have advanced changes to the Criminal Code that would provide new, stronger tools for enforcement and prosecutors.”
Virani was among the many people who announced the news on May 20. Others include Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs; and François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada said the federal government is moving forward with immediate actions that fall within its authority. This includes:
- Legislative and regulatory changes, including proposed amendments to the Criminal Code, new offences targeting the possession and distribution of devices that aid in auto theft, and a new aggravating factor that can be applied during sentencing when there is evidence that an offender involved a person under the age of 18 to (for example) steal a vehicle. Also, changes to the Radiocommunication Act aimed at regulating devices used to steal vehicles.
- Intelligence/information sharing enhancements between municipal, provincial, federal and international police and customs officials in support of criminal investigations, charges, and prosecutions.
- Intervention improvements that will pave the way for more shipping containers to be examined, through an increased in capacity at the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), along with the integration of new targeting tools.
“Cracking down on auto theft requires all hands on deck from all levels of government, industry leaders and law enforcement,” said Champagne in a statement. “Through this national action plan, we are going to work with partners and use all levers at our disposal to reduce car thefts in our communities.”
