Car thefts in Winnipeg up 30% over 5-year average: police

Car thefts are on the rise in Winnipeg and one victim worries the issue will continue to get worse as she helps others navigate the stressful situation of having a car stolen.

Pam Martin is still shaken up after her vehicle was stolen in 2021. She says a vehicle theft can have long-lasting effects.

“From the day it happened, because I witnessed the guy steal my vehicle, he stole the safety that I felt in my own home,” she said.

“These people are lurking right beside you, waiting to steal your vehicle.”

Since then, Martin has helped seven other people navigate the claims process.

“From a victim perspective, you kind of connect with those people and you want to help them, because you know what you went through and they’re going through the exact same thing.”

Martin says it’s concerning to hear car thefts are on the rise in the city. According to Winnipeg police, 2022 saw a 30 per cent increase over the five-year average.

‘Never seen it this high’

Martin has taken safety precautions at her home, but the crime still affects her today. And she’s cautioning others to take care as thefts increase.

“It can happen to you, just as easily as it happened to me,” she said.

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CAR THEFT IN WINNIPEG:

• Winnipeg man charged after allegedly stealing vehicle and fleeing police
• Suspect driving stolen SUV rams into vehicles, Winnipeg bus while fleeing police: WPS
• Driver of stolen vehicle rams Winnipeg police cruisers during pursuit; 3 arrested: WPS
• 20-year-old arrested after vehicle stolen, multiple robberies: police
• Winnipeg man facing 13 charges after vehicle theft

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Ben Fosty, the general manager at Champion Towing, says he could get more than 15 calls per shift about stolen vehicles.

He says the situation fluctuates, but this is the busiest it’s been in his 22-year towing career.

“It’s hard to say, I’ve never seen it this high,” he said.

Most thefts are from keys left in car: WPS

But some of the solutions are simple. Sgt. Trevor Thompson with the Winnipeg Police Service’s commercial stolen auto unit says the majority of car thefts in the city involve keys being left inside a vehicle.

More sophisticated, technology-based thefts – like those using Antenna relays – are usually executed by organized crime groups with the intent of shipping cars overseas in larger, port cities. Those are not as common in Winnipeg, police say.

Thompson adds members of the public can take steps to protect their vehicles. He suggests using a steering wheel anti-theft device and ensuring keys are secured away from the car.

Martin says using devices like an AirTag – the Apple-made tracking device – may also offer piece of mind when it comes to a potential car theft. But Winnipeg police caution members of the public to avoid seeking out stolen vehicles on their own, telling them to turn the info over to police investigators instead.