OTTAWA — Government officials from various levels will meet with police and industry leaders in Ottawa today to brainstorm ways to combat the auto theft scourge.
According to the federal government, an estimated 90,000 vehicles are stolen in Canada each year, resulting in approximately $1 billion in losses for Canadian policyholders and taxpayers.
The report said organized crime groups are increasingly involved in car thefts, and the proceeds from these crimes are used to fund other illegal activities.
The City of Ottawa says most stolen cars shipped overseas are bound for Africa or the Middle East.
On Wednesday, the government allocated $28 million in new funding to combat the export of stolen vehicles.
The announcement follows persistent pressure from the federal Conservative Party, which this week has floated ideas to address the problem.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 8, 2024.
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