Why has Bait Car program been put on ice when BC has benefited from its success?

A Bait Car program announced in 2001 to lure and trap auto thieves isn’t up and running while the NDP is moving full speed ahead to put the onus on the victims of auto theft rather than the criminals, said Progressive Conservative Justice critic, Gerald Hawranik.

“The NDP is quick to punish the victims, forcing them to install mandatory immobilizers, but they have failed to target auto thieves with a proactive crime-fighting program that has shown huge success in other provinces,” Hawranik said. “It’s another example of NDP mismanagement.”

Premier Doer and Justice Minister Dave Chomiak point the finger at only Ottawa when they know there are initiatives they can do right here in Manitoba to combat auto theft, Hawranik said.

“The Federal Conservative government has pledged to do its part by changing its legislation to increase penalties for auto theft, but it can’t be done unless Jack Layton and the NDP support the legislation through Parliament. In Manitoba, we need this NDP government to take responsibility for its role to combat auto theft and look for best practices in other provinces that have been extremely successful in reducing auto theft.” 

British Columbia implemented an effective Bait Car program in 2004 and auto theft numbers dropped by 35%, but in Manitoba, Hawranik said this initiative has been parked in the garage.

“This government could immobilize auto thieves but they’d rather immobilize the victims,” Hawranik said. “Mr. Chomiak should look at his own role in combating auto theft – rather than continuing to point the finger at the federal government.”