COBOURG (October 15, 2024) – Cobourg Police Service (CPS) and Équité Association, a not-for-profit working to eradicate insurance crime on behalf of the Canadian property and casualty insurance industry, are joining forces to combat and prevent auto thefts across the Town of Cobourg.
Équité will play a crucial role in this partnership. Through data and analytics, vehicle identification and coordinated investigations, the collaboration aims to eradicate insurance fraud and auto theft. To mitigate the risk of becoming a victim of auto theft, Équité recommends using a layered approach, including simple steps like keeping doors locked, installing visible or audible anti-theft devices, using vehicle immobilizers, and investing in tracking systems.
CPS, in partnership with Équité, will work to address auto theft investigations and recovery and also reach out to the community through awareness initiatives, reducing the chance of auto theft and the impact of this type of crime. Individuals rely on their vehicles to get their children to school, to get themselves to work and to support their day-to-day lives.
Betty Ng, Director, Investigations, Ontario & ICSS, Équité Association
“Auto theft is not a victimless crime. It is a deeply complex and multifaceted issue with real and devastating consequences for our communities. With auto theft being a funding mechanism for organized crime, collaboration between public and private partnerships is crucial in combatting this crime. At Équité Association, we look forward to harnessing our collective strength and working with law enforcement, including Cobourg Police. Together, we will build on the momentum to combat the auto theft crisis that affects so many Ontarians.”
Chief Paul VandeGraaf, Cobourg Police Service
“The Town of Cobourg is not exempt from the rise in auto thefts. We are closely monitoring trends in the GTA and neighbouring regions and believe that this collaborative initiative with Équité Association will help us disseminate crucial prevention tips to our residents and support investigations. Our goal is to enhance community safety and ensure that our citizens can go about their daily lives with peace of mind, knowing that we are dedicated to protecting their vehicles.”
Anonymous information can be sent to Peterborough Northumberland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.stopcrimehere.ca. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.