MANITOBA FAMILIES CAN NOW FEEL MORE SECURE

April 21, 2009

 

(April 21, 2009) Ottawa – Criminals will think twice before stealing a car if a bill introduced today becomes law says the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Member of Parliament for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia.

“Manitobans are tired of buying alarms, steering wheel locks and immobilizers to protect their vehicles from being stolen. In fact a shocking 11,442 vehicles were stolen over the last two years in Manitoba,” said Fletcher. “Our government has responded by introducing strong legislation targeting auto theft.”

The new law, if passed will create a specific offence of “motor vehicle theft,” a specific offence of VIN-tampering, and a general offence to address all forms of trafficking in property obtained by crime. 

Under this new legislation criminals convicted of car theft will face prison time of up to 10 years. After a third conviction, the criminal will face a mandatory six months of incarceration.

“Unlike the soft on crime opposition parties, our government takes car theft very seriously,” says Fletcher. “This new legislation will give criminals the jail time and penalties they deserve.”