—* Buying 40 — Friday, November 21, 1997 — North Shore News id Auto thefis in B.C. per day cost $252,000 ICBC is helping con- sumers make better choices to protect * their vehicles from auto crimes by pro- ducing the first inde- pendent evaluation of aftermarket anti-theft devices in North America. “Using an anti-thett device can help motorists put the brakes on the escalating auto theft problem that costs ICBC policyholders $92 mil- lion last year,” says ICBC president Thom Thompson. “Making this kind of product knowledge available to: motorists is part of our mandate to help take the risk out of road transportation. Ar the centre of the pro- gram is the new Buying Better AntiTheft Devices “~F guide. Rased on the results of independent testing crite- ria developed by ICBC's Material Damage Research and Training Centre book- Protect your vehicle THE new Buying Better Anti- Theft Devices yuide rates the performance features of 100 devices currently on the mar- ker. There are two options to “36 consider when choosing an anti-theft device: Passive — This system sets itself when vou turn the vehicle off or lock the doors. Active: This means the motorist must set the system. © There are three key things to consider when purchasing an anti-thett device: Visual: If a thief sees an anti-theft device, there’s a good chance the vehicle wil be passed over. Physical: No thief wants to waste time exerting a lot of physical effort. Audible: No thief wants to draw attention when stval- ing the vehicle. . ae s listed in the guide are rated according to the effectiveness of cach of these deterrent features ind are assigned a score. The maxi- mum score is 100 but devices weep scoring 75 or more points arc rated as providing the best protection. © At least 250 retail locations across the province which carry products cated ine the Better Anty- Theft Devices guide are taking part in the prograrn. Retailer par- Licipation was invited through AN open “expression of inter est” by ICBC. More retailers ne vapected to join the pro gram © 1CBC recommends protes sional installation: tar all clee tronic antctheit ssstenty, let’s charts show which prod- ucts under three broad cate: gories — mechanical devices, alarms and immobilizing sys- tems — are most effective. In a unique tie-in with retailers who sell anti-theft devices, ICBC is supplying copies of the guide and relat- ed promotional material to make this vaiuable informa- tion available to more people at over 250 rerail locations, The booklet is available at Autoplan agencies, ICBC claim centres and on IC BC's website (wu wiche.com), Consumers can use this information to make educat- ed decisions before purchas- ing anti-theft devices, such as steering wheel locks audible alarms, or which can shur down a vehi- cle’s electrical system so that it can’t be taken by a thief. The products are rated Good, Better or Best. In the guide, tested prod- ucts are named, rated on a points scale and average costs of each device is shown, No product is specifically endorsed but instead, con- sumers can determine which products are most ettective, within a variety of cost ranges, and which ones ulti- mately best meet their needs. north shore news C rates theft devi “Getting the information in front of people right where they face product choices is an important: part of this program,” adds Thompson, “Last year, theft of auto claims in B.C. cost $252,000 every single day. We're determined to acm British Columbians with the information they need co tight the scourge of thett.” Thompson added that products identified as having the top rating based on the testing criteria are eligible for [CBC's Best Rated stick- er. This sticker will be sup- plied to retailers to help them draw consumers” atten- tion to both the product and the anti-theft device pro- gram. The Best Rated ratings are based on an evaluation of product features but don’t make any statement, repre- sentation or warranty as to the quality or performance level of the product. B.C. Crime Prevention Association executive direc- tor Sharon Hilsen agreed the program will help people take individual responsibility for preventing crime in their communities. “We have a car thett BRAKE 3 : SERVICE it 4M UTE D * Parts & Labour included * replace front pads or rear shoes with GM AC Delco brake lining * re-surface drums or rotors if necessory * inspect and lubricate hardware * inspect: master cyiinder, calipers and brake lines * road test * limited tifetime warranty on GM AC Delco brake pads and shoes * applicutte to most GM cars and light duty trucks, 4x4's and 3500 series excluded ° shop cad environmental charges included * taxes eatra * dealer may sell for less * limited time offer “LEFF €-T.l M-E WAR ROAUNOT Y= TO ices | problem in every community in B.C." she said. “This ICBC program helps people make more- informed choices to *harden the target” by making their vehices more difficult to steal.” NORTH SHORE $276 iniltion is spent annually on the operation af cars and trucks on the North: Share. 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