Car theft is a growing problem in Canada, thankfully in Winnipeg, we have the Air1 helicopter that helps police to track down and find the stolen vehicle fast! A new report from the Canadian Insurance Bureau says that picky car thieves are increasingly targeting Ford trucks and high-end SUVs. At the same time, the total number of car thefts continues to grow throughout the country.
The stolen vehicle was first spotted just before 4 a.m., stuck in the snow near a baseball diamond in Whittier Park.
The driver refused to stop for police and the chase continued until a “stop stick” tire deflation device was used and the tires deflated. The stolen car eventually came to a stop at the entrance of a back lane near Cumberland Avenue and Kennedy Street.
A search of the vehicle turned up an 18-inch machete, break-in tools, a .270 Winchester ammunition cartridge and a small amount of meth.
The Canadian insurance bureau reports in its annual list of the most frequently stolen cars that the Ford F-Series trucks again ranked first. Henry Tso, vice president of the board of inquiry, says thieves in Ontario and Alberta prefer trucks, and in Atlantic Canada, Nissan Maxima, as well as Chevy Silverado and Jeep Liberty are most often stolen.
Health Minister Cameron Friesen promised a plan to overcome the local methamphetamine crisis in October. But a report from a new task force to combat drug trafficking said the plan would not be available to the public until June 2019.
Fellow Winnipeggers, please be careful where you leave your vehicle, as the report shows almost no car theft occurred at Parkades and underground garages, as they are equipped with multiple security cameras and have gates, where you have to stop and pay to get out, also security guards at the premises discourage car thieves. So think twice before leaving your vehicle just on the street, try to avoid bad neighborhoods and keep an eye on your car keys.