The corporation received just over 106,000 auto crime claims last year - 1,000 fewer than 1998. Vandalism claims fell 3.6 per cent last year and theft from auto claims were down by almost one per cent. However, total auto theft claims rose by 5.8 per cent. But the good news is that the latest theft numbers are still well below the 1996 level when vehicle theft was out of control in our province. Thompson says auto crime is not a victimless crime.
People suffer when someone steals or vandalizes a vehicle.
That's why hardening the target is so important. The rise in theft claims shows us all British Columbians must continue their efforts to lock out auto crime. ICBC is helping to combat auto crime by supporting local prevention projects with its Community Auto Crime Prevention Grant. Last year, the corporation funded 30 local projects throughout the province including bike patrols in shopping mall parking lots, warning signs, park patrols, youth activity programs and crime prevention training workshops. Grants will go to crime prevention groups and societies, community groups, volunteer agencies or local business groups that have made a commitment to do something positive about the auto crime problem in their communities.