WINNIPEG — Manitoba’s justice minister wants drivers to stop leaving their keys in the car.
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Statistics show up to 75 per cent of auto thefts are due to motorists leaving their keys in the car or ignition. That’s up 10 per cent from previous years.
On Wednesday a public awareness campaign was launched to remind drivers there is a simple solution.
“The message is ‘protect your keys, protect your vehicle,” Gord Mackintosh said.
The justice minister says over the last ten years Manitoba has seen a significant reduction in auto-theft. In 2004 there were almost 10,000 vehicles stolen in Manitoba. So far this year, there have been 1500 auto thefts.
But considering three-quarters of those are stolen with the owners keys, Mackintosh said it was time to remind motorists that the bulk of auto-thefts are preventable.
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CAA will be sending out an email to it’s customers, while 59 different Citizens on Patrol members will run information sessions.
While some car owners have suggested there should be penalties for those who leave their keys in the car, Mackintosh says that’s not being considered.
“We looked at options and decided greater awareness really was the best choice,” Mackintosh said.
WATCH: Minister Gord Mackintosh reminds public to be vigilant and not leave keys in car
The campaign was officially launched with representatives from MPI, the Winnipeg Police Service and CAA Manitoba. The conference was live streamed here.
WATCH: MPI VP talks about the rise of auto thefts in Winnipeg with the use of vehicle keys
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