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Auto Theft Prevention Strategies
In 1995, Williams Lake was known as having the highest per capita auto crime of any city in Western Canada. Added to the crime problem were frequent hazardous high speed police pursuits, as auto thieves would taunt police into these chases. There were also a high number of thefts from vehicles, as well as mischief to vehicles.
The community at large was very upset, demanding more enforcement. Police looked at this problem from a community standpoint to resolve it. In early 1996, a number of meetings were held between interested parties. These included victims, auto dealers, insurance companies, community leaders, media and police.
As a result of these meetings, a public forum meeting and a public survey were conducted. A complete analysis of the problem was undertaken to learn more about the crime, offenders and other relevant details. From the consultation and subsequent analysis, a working team consisting of the community at large, police and insurance companies was formed. This was called the Community Auto Watch. Four (4) strategies were developed from the public input and information gathered. The strategies consist of:
What
was done
A
- Prevention through Education
We started educating the public on how individual people could protect themselves,
their vehicles and their valuables. This was done extensively through the media,
including radio, television and newspaper coverage. Household mailings were
conducted, informing residents of the problem, and effective prevention measures.
All businesses selling vehicle anti-theft devices were brought in as partners,
and they advertised their services. Theft prevention signs were erected throughout
the city, in those places where these crimes were prevalent. These signs encouraged
people to secure their vehicles, take valuables out and use an anti-theft device.
Block Watch was instituted through the city as another means of prevention.
B - Addressing the Root Social Causes
The majority of the offenders were identified as being First Nations people
from specific communities. This situation was explored in greater details as
to the reasons why. Meetings with First Nations leaders were held to try to
understand the problem better. A number of concessions were reached on how to
work through this problem. Through time and by using discretion and sensitivity
in dealing with the First Nations leaders on the issues, these leaders joined
as full partners in working on addressing the problem. Community meetings ensued.
Officers got involved with First Nations youth in a variety of ways, including
school visits, and ball, ice and floor hockey games. Community Auto Watch worked
with First Nations leaders to visit offenders in jail, and to assist offenders
in developing a "life plan" upon their release. This includes transportation
back to their community, giving them a positive environment in which to live
and work, and providing a system of support. A second visit is done on the day
of release and First Nations Elders transport the offender back to the community
and assist with re-integrating the offender into their community.
C
- Alternative Justice Program
Through public consultation and research, a Family Group Conferencing program
was developed. The Williams Lake Community Council for Real Justice is made
up of community volunteers. This Council has developed a manual and protocol
on alternate justice measures. Through this program, police divert offenders
directly without going through Crown Counsel. To qualify, offenders must admit
to their crime and voluntarily attend a Family Group Conference. Their alternative
is to attend court and answer to formal criminal charges. The focus of Family
Group Conferencing is for the offender to face his victim and repair the harm
done. All facilitators are community volunteers who are trained in this area.
D-
Meaningful and Effective Law Enforcement
Even if all offenders are caught and sent to jail, the community agrees that
the problem will never be resolved simply through enforcement alone, and that
other means must be available and applied. Law enforcement will always remain
a constant, but in order to be effective, it had to be re-worked. The Williams
Lake Detachment restructured, and realigned its police resources. This involved
a number of actions, including dedicating two constables for a Operational Crime
Unit (property crime). This unit gathers intelligence on offenders, and completes
profiles. All property crimes files are turned over to them for compilation
and or investigation. They have developed an information portfolio for judges,
to be used on sentencing. This portfolio contains details on the magnitude of
the crimes, and the impact of these crimes on the community at large. As well,
a community court watch was developed to monitor court procedures and place
some community accountability on the courts.
E
- Benefit/Value Added of Best Practice
Auto Crimes went down almost immediately and continue to decline. Auto Thefts
have declined 67 percent, theft from vehicles have declined 83 percent and mischief
declined 33 percent. Hazardous pursuits have declined to the point of being
occasional or rare. Auto theft numbers for the past four years are as follows:
- 1995 - 315 thefts
- 1996 - 217 thefts
- 1997 - 118 thefts
- 1998 - 93 thefts (as of 98.12.17)
The reduction of thefts means that there were 515 fewer vehicles stolen than
would have been had the status quo remained. This represents a savings of $3,363,000.00
to I.C.B.C. (Insurance Corporation of British Columbia) alone. This figure will
more than double when accounting for police resources, court and probation costs
and individual costs to victims such as insurance deductibles, and loss of use
of the vehicle, and loss of personal property not covered by insurance.
Additionally, these initiatives have brought the community closer together in working with police to resolve community problems. There is a greater understanding with the public that the police cannot work in isolation and that they must become involved.
Cpl. Jacques Drisdelle
Williams Lake Detachment
"E" Division
(250) 392-8701
R.C.M.P. Williams Lake Detachment
575 Borland Street Williams Lke, B.C. V2G 1R9
© RCMP-GRC September 14, 1999
