Mr. Speaker, first I would like to thank the voters of Surrey North for returning me to this place. I am inspired by the confidence they have shown in me.
My purpose for rising today is to commend the residents of Surrey and our law enforcement community for being diligent and working together to curb auto theft in our city.
Members may be aware from past comments in this place that in recent years Surrey has suffered some of the highest rates of auto theft in North America.
Our police point out that residents have played a key role in reducing the problem by locking their vehicles, ensuring that nothing of value is left in them and using anti-theft devices.
For their part, the police have implemented a number of programs, not the least of which is the use of bait cars, a strategy which has proven exceptionally effective. They have also turned up the heat on repeat offenders.
The substantial decrease in auto theft in Surrey in the first half of this year shows us that a community working together can make a difference.