Local Citizens on Patrol (COP) groups in Prince George will be thanked and recognized at an awards dinner in their honour this evening.

The COP are dedicated volunteers working in cooperation with the RCMP to help reduce auto crime in their communities. Their activities include bike and foot security patrols, performing parking lot audits (leaving checklists on vehicles of items which make the vehicle vulnerable to theft), and the utilization of Palm Pilots connected to a police database of stolen vehicle license plates

“Many groups have exceptional ideas for crime prevention that are relevant to their own auto crime problems. It is a pleasure to reward these devoted volunteers,” said Christine Silver, ICBC Loss Prevention coordinator. “ICBC is extremely grateful for their participation.”

In 2006, there were approximately 17,000 vehicles reported stolen to ICBC in the province, compared to 21,000 in 2005 – a drop of 19 per cent. However, auto theft increased significantly in Prince George.

Each year, through the Auto Crime Prevention Program, ICBC awards funds to groups who design and implement programs aimed at reducing auto crime.