Montreal Port Authority has announced the implementation of an action plan as part of its strategy against auto theft and illegal export in Canada.
Their Action Plan to Combat the Export of Stolen Vehicles was developed in consultation with government authorities, law enforcement, and stakeholders in the automotive industry to help boost national efforts to address the issue.
“Though vehicles are not stolen from port territory, we bear a collective responsibility to do what it takes to stop this scourge, in conjunction with our partners,” said Julie Gascon, President and CEO of the MPA, in a statement. “This five-year action plan shows our commitment to actively contribute to the fight against the illegal export of stolen vehicles, while safeguarding the security, integrity and competitiveness of Canadian port infrastructure.
Gascon added that efforts between law enforcement and various stakeholders, including the MPA, are already paying off; she said they saw a significant decline in vehicle theft in 2024.
The initiative is based on four main axes:
- support law enforcement through more collaboration by implementing things like specific training and improved processes;
- supply chain prevention and awareness raising by deploying information programs for truck drivers and port partners;
- spotting and recovery by improving the tracking of infrastructure and support for research projects — and collaboration with OEMs and anti-theft technology companies;
- and support victims of theft by providing clear information to help drivers better understand what steps to take, among other things.
“There is still a lot of work to be done, but we’re keeping up the fight by improving port mechanisms, which are the last frontier on the territory,” said Gascon.
