‘Light’ Penalties a Key Factor in Rise of Auto Thefts, Ministers Hear at Summit

Various stakeholders at a summit convened by Ottawa to combat the rise in car thefts told ministers that light penalties for the crime contribute to the phenomenon. “Sophisticated transnational organized crime groups have targeted Canada because the risk of prosecution is low and the financial reward is high,” said Brian Kingston at the Feb. 8 summit in Ottawa. Mr. Kingston, who heads the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturer’s Association (CVMA), remarked that vehicle theft rates in Canada are growing “much faster” than in the United States since 2021. “Correctly diagnosing the source” of the problem is key, said the executive who represents automakers Ford, GM, and Stellantis in Canada....