Cops want anti car theft squad
The SPVM is thinking of creating an anti car theft squad considering that 12,000 vehicles were stolen here in 2023.
Does that mean the SPVM will want even more money?
Incidentally, Ted Rutland tweeted recently about Statistics Canada’s report on gun crime in Canada’s cities in 2022: “As usual, Montreal’s was well below the average – which is not the impression you’d get from listening to the police and the media that year.” Regina looks like a hotbed of crime by comparison.
Ephraim 12:57 on 2024-02-01 Permalink
It’s pretty standard… our statistics of reported crime are up… we have to do something or everyone will realize we aren’t doing out job. Beg for money for that specific job. Hope to get a handle on it. They should have had bait cars for YEARS. Maybe I’m a cynic in this matter, but maybe the SPVM should be the reporting agency and the SQ be in charge of apprehension, since they have had YEARS to set up bait cars but haven’t… they just wait long enough for it to spiral out of control.
There are so many ways to tackle this car theft problem. The first is passing federal laws on the tracking and encryption standards of cars and a penalty on car manufacturers to cover the cost of policing because the security is so lax. Car manufacturers have an interest in cars being stolen, because they get to sell another car. So you need to disincentivize it. The second is to punish countries that accept stolen cars. Cars are ending up in Africa… what if development aid was contingent on fixing the problem? How soon would they stop the illegal registration of cars if development aid was redirected?
Joey 14:28 on 2024-02-01 Permalink
Seems unfair to peg aid funds to foreign governments putting a stop to crimes… committed here! I imagine that the people who actually wield power in the countries where these cars wind up (i.e., probably not democratically elected officials who are solely accountable to the people) would be very happy to forego aid in order to maintain their stream of illegal income.
Kevin 17:26 on 2024-02-01 Permalink
It’s long past time we had multiple X-ray machines at the Port of Montreal and treated it like something serious.
Instead we have one machine and rarely appearing customs crews at a port that moves nearly 200 containers an hour 24/7.
Kevin 17:28 on 2024-02-01 Permalink
John B
Expansion of the terminal started a while back, and it’s due to open summer 2025.
Ephraim 20:03 on 2024-02-01 Permalink
@Joey – There is trade as well. But I’m willing to bet that they would rather check VINs than forego the money that they need to either siphon or buy their votes or support from the army. These are mostly countries with “Palace Guard” armies. Less money is not a good thing.
Ian 20:55 on 2024-02-01 Permalink
It’s not very expensive to get a remote-activated kill switch installed on your vehicle.
If you have one of the more popular models to steal like a CR-V it’s a very good idea.
Blork 10:16 on 2024-02-02 Permalink
According to a report on CBC the other day, it’s not just about people stealing cars out of driveways; it’s gotten more dangerous. In Ontario there’s been a spike in home invasions where the thieves actually bust into your house or apartment — while you are there — and demand the keys at gunpoint. Also a spike in car jackings.
Joey 12:58 on 2024-02-02 Permalink
It should be added (and this may be more lore than fact) that the market for stolen electric cars is apparently non-existent. I guess the crime lords of Central Asia or wherever aren’t interested in plugging in overnight. One more reason to go electric!
Blork 16:55 on 2024-02-02 Permalink
Hmmm, fascinating. If that’s true it’s probably because the places where the cars are being shipped and sold (Middle-east and Africa mostly from my understanding) don’t really have the recharging infrastructure built out, whereas gas stations are everywhere.