Over the last three months 13 people have been charged as part of a pilot project by the Saskatoon Police Service targeting auto theft.

The Auto Theft Reduction project began in August, 2016 and utilizes vehicles provided by SGI Salvage. The vehicles are equipped with cameras and an alarm, and are parked in areas where high numbers of vehicle theft had been previously reported. When the doors to the vehicle are opened the silent alarm triggers a video feed directly to police. Officers are then dispatched to the scene.

During a 14 week period there were 11 incidents in which the alarm was triggered. The 13 people arrested are facing a variety of charges including: Attempted Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Mischief, Possession of Stolen Property, Carry Concealed Weapon, Obstruction, Break of Probation and Breach of Undertaking.

“The Saskatoon Police Service is dedicated to bringing down the number of vehicles being stolen in our city,” said Chief Clive Weighill. “Statistics show that vehicle theft is a growing issue in our community and many times the vehicles involved are being driven in a manner dangerous to public safety.”

Thanks to Saskatchewan Government Insurance the program has relatively little expense. The vehicles are provided at a cost of $1. The only additional fee is for license plates.

“SGI is pleased to partner with the Saskatoon Police Service on this proactive approach to preventing auto thefts,” said Penny McCune, Executive Vice-President of Claims and Salvage. “This pilot helps increase road safety in the community by reducing the number of stolen vehicles being driven dangerously on Saskatoon streets, and helps drive down auto theft claim costs which ultimately benefits all vehicle owners.”

For more information contact:

Alyson Edwards

Public Affairs

Saskatoon Police Service

306-975-8209

Kelley Brinkworth

Communications

Saskatchewan Government Insurance

306-751-1837