YEAR TWO OF AUTO THEFT STRATEGY CONTINUES REDUCTION IN THEFTS

Following its second year of operation, the Regina Auto Theft Strategy continues to show a reduction in auto thefts.

The Auto Theft Strategy involves the provincial departments of Corrections and Public Safety and Justice, Regina Police Services, SGI and various community agencies.

"The number of auto thefts has been significantly reduced since this program was implemented in February of 2002," Corrections and Public Safety Minister Peter Prebble said. "The first year of the program showed an overall reduction in auto thefts of 28 per cent, the lowest since 1995. During 2003, this number was reduced again. Comparing 2001 auto theft numbers, before the strategy was implemented, and 2003 auto theft numbers, there has been an overall reduction of 33 per cent."

Justice Minister Frank Quennell was also pleased with the auto theft strategy results.

"Keeping communities safe is a top priority of this Government," Quennell said. "The success of this strategy and other crime reduction strategies in place in Saskatchewan is due to community partnerships and co-operative planning."

"The Auto Theft Strategy is one example of how municipal and provincial governments can work together to tackle common issues and find the best solutions," Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco said. "I am confident that with this Strategy, we will continue to reduce auto thefts in our community, making Regina a safer city for everyone."

The Auto Theft Strategy consolidates resources and uses strict controls on high risk offenders, including 24-hour supervision and close monitoring of young offenders who are not in custody.

A further reduction target has been set by the Auto Theft Strategy partners. The target established would see auto thefts reduced by 50 per cent of the 2001 levels by the end of 2005. This would mean a reduction from 3800 auto thefts in 2001 to 1900 by the end of 2005, or an average decrease of eight per cent over each of the next two years.

Prebble added that an independent review of the Secure Custody portion of the Auto Theft Strategy conducted by Dr. Stephen Wormith, Chair of the Forensic Psychology Department at the University of Saskatchewan, showed an overall rating of "very satisfactory".

"We are very pleased with the results of this independent review which shows we are using the right tools," Prebble said. "However, it is only one part of this multi-faceted and multi-agency strategy. Everyone involved with this program is working hard to achieve these reductions in auto thefts."

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Bill Derby Corrections and Public Safety Regina Phone: (306)787-5883