Released on January 25, 2006
Following its fourth year of operation, the Regina Auto Theft Strategy has shown an overall 44 per cent reduction in auto thefts. This translates into 1,697 fewer cars stolen in 2005 than in 2001, before the strategy was implemented.The Auto Theft Strategy involves the provincial departments of Justice and Corrections and Public Safety, Regina Police Services, SGI and various community agencies. The strategy is based on three fundamental principles of responsibility, rehabilitation and reintegration for young offenders.
"Keeping communities safe is a top priority of this Government, and the Regina Auto Theft Strategy is vital in helping us achieve this important objective," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said. "The success of this strategy is due to the strong partnerships amongst such dedicated and hard working organizations within this community."
"The Regina Auto Theft Strategy has successfully used curfew checks and linkages to training and employment to change the behaviour of auto theft offenders," Corrections and Public Safety Minister Peter Prebble said. "In 2005, Corrections and Public Safety and the Regina Police Service conducted nearly 9,000 curfew checks on repeat offenders to ensure they were staying off the street and out of trouble. Throughout the program, high risk youth who have completed their time in custody have been connected to school, pre-employment training and employment."
"I am very pleased with the success of our auto theft strategy - it has made our community safer," Mayor Pat Fiacco said. "Our work isn't done; we must continue to reduce auto theft even further. This program is an example of what can be achieved when the provincial government, the city and police work together."
"The Regina Auto Theft Strategy is a collaboration designed by frontline workers, assisted by planners, strategists and supervisors. Its success is the result of the commitment of all partners," Regina Police Chief Cal Johnston said.
The Auto Theft Strategy consolidates resources and uses strict controls on high risk offenders, including 24-hour supervision and close monitoring of young offenders who are not in custody.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Andrew Dinsmore Justice Regina Phone: (306)787-8606 | Elizabeth Popowich Regina Police Service Regina Phone: (306) 777-6364 |