The federal government’s adding more funds over three-years to battle the spike in vehicle thefts.

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced that $9-million of the additional money will go toward provincial, territorial and local or municipal police services to increase their capacity to take custody of hot wheels identified by Canada Border Services Agency.

Another $3.5-million is aimed at helping officers co-ordinate with Interpol, which Ottawa says will make police in this country better able to locate stolen vehicles and parts shipped overseas.

 

 

The remaining $2.4-million will go to support the federal government’s work with domestic and international partners.

Just two weeks ago, the Trudeau government announced $28-million to go to border agents to better detect and search shipping containers for vehicles as well as improve their ability to investigate and arrest those responsible.

According to Ottawa, thefts rose by 50% in Quebec, 48.3% in Ontario, 34.5% in Atlantic Canada and 18.35% in Alberta between 2021 and ’22.