The provincial government, police, and ICBC are working together to reduce auto crime. We’d like you to join the partnership and help us continue to reduce vehicle crime rates.

On a typical day in British Columbia:

48 vehicles are stolen

78 vehicles are broken into

72 vehicles are vandalized

In 2006, there were approximately 17,000 vehicles reported stolen to ICBC, compared to 21,000 in 2005 – a drop of 19 per cent.

Vehicle break-ins reported to ICBC fell from 32,000 in 2005 to 28,000 in 2006 – a drop of 13 per cent. Many communities in B.C. are seeing decreases in auto crime.

In 2006, Vancouver saw stolen vehicle claims decline 30 per cent and Surrey 24 per cent from 2005. Other communities have also seen dramatic decreases in vehicle thefts.

To view crime stats for auto crime in your community

Auto Crime is a crime of opportunity. What are you doing to reduce auto crime?

• Keep your spare keys in your wallet, not in your car.
• Invest in a good anti-theft device.
• Close windows and lock doors. Take your possessions with you.
• Avoid parking behind fences or hedges.
• At home, light your driveway all night. Elsewhere, park in well-lit areas near pedestrian traffic.
• After opening an automatic gate to underground parking, watch out for thieves waiting to slip inside. Wait for the gate to close behind you.
• Engrave your stereo and other on-board valuables with your driver's licence number.
• Install an anti-theft device to protect your stereo, or buy a unit that's removable and take it with you when you park.
• If you see any suspicious person or activity near a vehicle, call the police immediately.

Top Ten Stolen Vehicles On Vancouver Island 2006: