MPI tracks cars stolen multiple times

A new study from Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) shows that one car in that province was either stolen or had a theft attempt made on it six times in the past two years. The finding was part of a study on multiple claims for the same vehicle carried out by the government insurer. Results show that between 2000 and 2002, 1,638 vehicles in the province were stolen more than once, generating 3,528 claims.On a high note, for the first 11 months of 2002, auto theft in the capital city of Winnipeg was down 9.2%, a trend MPI attributes in part to greater public awareness and the use of anti-theft devices. About 40,000 people in Manitoba have registered for the Combat Auto Theft program run by MPI and 50,000 people receive discounts for purchasing vehicles with anti-theft devices installed.However, the multiple theft figures suggest some drivers have not gotten the message, even after having their vehicle stolen. “Our statistics clearly show that it doesn’t matter where you live or what you drive, the vehicle can be stolen,” says Marci Riel, auto crime issue specialist with MPI. “Auto theft is a crime of opportunity and unfortunately, many owners still don’t believe they could be a target.”