Insurance Bureau of Canada Statement: Gone in 60 seconds - An Alberta Perspective

TORONTO, Dec. 11, 2018 /CNW/ - Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) released its annual list of Canada's most frequently stolen vehicles. As thefts in Alberta continue to rise, IBC's Vice-President, Western Region, Celyeste Power, has provided the following statement.

"The increase in auto thefts in Alberta is very concerning. Thefts rose once again in 2017 by almost 6% and are up 56% over the past five years. The majority of these thefts occur in rural communities which given the increase in rural crime is to be expected. The insurance industry wants to play its part in helping reduce theft and crime rates in rural communities and across the province. We want to work with law enforcement agencies, government and other stakeholders on this serious problem. These crimes have serious effects for Albertans, they put public safety in jeopardy and can impact insurance rates. Addressing this issue will help provide peace of mind to residents and ensure insurance across the province remains affordable and available. Alberta's insurance industry wants to help with that."

Top 10 Stolen Vehicles
The national and provincial Top 10 Stolen Vehicles lists are on ibc.ca.

Report the crime
To report an insurance crime, call your local police, IBC at 1-877-IBC-TIPS or Crime Stoppers at 1?800?222-TIPS. For more information about auto theft, visit ibc.ca.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.

P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 126,000 Canadians, pays $9 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $54.7 billion.

For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow us on Twitter @InsuranceBureau or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.

If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada