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The Canadian government on Monday outlined a series of “National Action Plans” to combat auto theft in the country. The measures were announced at an event in Brampton, Ontario.
The action plan will reportedly feature changes to the Criminal Code which includes stronger penalties for thieves as well as increased information sharing between police agencies, government officials and border enforcement.
The federal government held a national summit of auto theft in Ottawa in February. The issue of auto theft had spiked in 2022 in several provinces compared to the previous year.
“We are adding new offences targeting auto theft and its links to violence and to organized crime”, said Attorney General of Canada Arif Virani. According to him, the government is proposing new offences to target ringleaders of auto theft gangs and money launders.
“Those measures will help in the fight not just against organized crime, but against terrorist organizations as well”, said Virani.
In the action plan, Transport Canada has also made a commitment to modernize Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations to “ensure they consider technological advancements to deter and prevent auto theft.”
The proposed amendments to the Criminal Code include a new offence to punish those in possession and distributing devices and technology used in auto theft, a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
According to Global News, the action plan would amend the Radiocommunication Act to allow for the regulation of radio devices used to intercept communications in auto theft.
Meanwhile, the Conservatives have criticized the government on the action plans on auto theft. The Conservatives have condemned the ongoing rate of auto theft in the country and proposed their own solutions.
They have proposed their own bill, where they propose increase prison time for people found guilty of gang-related auto theft for subsequent number of times from six months to three years. They also stated that car manufacturers need to take adequate measures in protecting vehicles from theft.
However, Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc said at the event that Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne has spoken to automakers about working the government to combat car theft, reports Global News.
“The challenge is to have the manufacturers work with us, and we’re prepared to use regulatory means as well,” said Global News quotes LeBlanc.
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