JUNE AUTO THEFTS DOWN AGAIN

The number of auto thefts in Regina has declined after an increase in May.

"A significant decline in the number of auto thefts in June shows the Regina Auto Theft Strategy is working," Corrections and Public Safety Minister
Andrew Thomson said today.

There were 217 thefts in June 2003, a 34 per cent reduction from May, which includes 160 cars stolen, 40 attempts, and 17 possible thefts. Of the possible thefts, the number of vehicles will not be confirmed as stolen until the end of the month when the police complete their usual audit and confirm the numbers.

"We are aiming at a further 10 per cent reduction in total thefts over the course of this year," Thomson said.

Phase Two of the community-based auto theft strategy and partnership was announced in May 2003. The expanded strategy targets adult offenders aged 18 to 22, in addition to young offenders who were the focus of Phase One. The strategy also pilots the use of electronic monitoring devices with youth, increases the use of alternative measures for first-time offenders, and expands education and prevention.

"The recent emphasis on the unusual increase in auto thefts in May tends to overshadow the fact that the auto theft strategy continues to succeed over time," Thomson stated. "The decline in thefts in 2002 was 28 per cent over the year 2001, very good results by any measure. It is important to measure our performance over the long haul rather than focusing on any month-to-month fluctuations".

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For More Information, Contact:

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