Brady Fotheringham Contributing Writer NORTH Shore stu- dents are getting a chance to educate the public about auto theft through a government program staffed by post-secondary = siu- dents. Jason Marley is one of six students working for the Insurance Corporation of British Cofumbia’s Youth Employment Initiative pro- gram which is conducting parking lot crime audits throughout the North Shore this summer. Marley, a 21-year-old University of Western Ontario student and North Shore res- ident, is informing drivers about the benefits of keeping vehicles safely locked up by posting motices on cars in parking lots. The notes detail whether a car was locked, | has an anti-theft device like The Club, or an engine immobi- lizer alarm. On Wednesday, Marley and other Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) werkers were on hand at the Lynn Valley and Parkgate shopping malls, demonstrating to the nt reagan ty, offer valid Aug © Not valid with North Van 924-0331 30 ~ Friday, July 30, 1999 — North Shore News df Sxspect transmission fuid ‘evel, power sisering level (it applicable), brake fluc level, clutch fluid level, (if apnicatie) \Honda’s Coxprohensive | Wancants inom Geeck—iGsis 725 Marine Dr. public how casy it is to break inte certain vehicles, especial- ly those that are unlocked and without anti-theft devices. “People will ake anything of value, from loonies and toonies to cell phones and CDs,” Marley said. Aside from professional ear thieves and the occasional kids who will steal or borrow a vehicle for a casual joy ride, the biggest problem, Marley said, is break and enter auto crimes where thieves go after valuables. “You may think chere is nothing of substantial value in your car but someone else may think differently,” Marley said. Marley rccommends that car owners put parcel bags, valuables and briefcases in the trunk to deter theft. This is the second year ICBC has run the auto theft education program on the North Shore. Over 1,500 cars have been assessed this year throughout various locations from Capilano mall and Lonsdale Quay to Grouse Mountain. Sam Thiara, ICBC’s public affairs officer said the corpo- ration’s program “tries tu cre- ate an awareness among dri- vers.” ‘In 1998 there were 724 clairas for vehicle thett, a rise | SEO & fase chungs, Check or feidieaks | A Battery loodichersig test {Wi Inspect cistrbuter cap, rotor and wires. 1 & Coolant and freeze pots inspect windshield wipers, washer jets and blades Lt if inspec al brakes fr wear % are condon inspect exaust sis Inset tire wear and pressure Inspect springs and shack absorbars. 1 Sf inspect brake calipers, whzel cylinders and parking brake «= @f inspect a ights and bubs § Tro retain {@ inspect and lubricate door looks, latches and handles Sone Vg Toa ar conto temperature if appicable) ee ae ae ee ee ee SF * Coupon. must be preveniod prior to service. All prices are plus taxen, anvironmenta! levies & disposal fees NOt ic or discount. This service includes: Drain cooling system, Replace coolant/antifreeze, inspect radiator cap and hoses, Check thermostat/temperature gauge operation, Check operation of radiator and A/C ‘condenser parts, Pressure-test system, Check water pump for noise, loose pulley and condition of beit, Test coolant protection ievel, Battery Inad test. af iapac dive bel conn ena ing bn . aver theits in 1995. Marley stressed it’s: worth the piece of mind to get an anti-theft device installed in your vehicle given the hasste of replacing stolen: goods and going through the lengthy claims process at ICBC, Other organizations involved in auto theit preven - tion include othe North Vancouver RCMP*s Lynn Valley community policing office, whose volunteers scan licence plates with handheld Casio computers. They down- load stolen licence plate num- bers trom an ICBC computer each week search for missing vehicles. The RCMP also run a “Lock Out Auto Crime” pro- gram which hands out notices detailing anti-theft tips for motorists, similar co the work being done by ICBC. The ICBC Youth Employment Initiative pro- gram is part of a greater provincial employment pro- gram called Youth Options. The $34 million-government program will create more than 17,000 jobs for young people this year according to ICBC. Over 120 students applied for the six positions offered to North Shore students. More information can be found about the youth program at . NEWS photo Bred CHECKING out cars. North Shore student, Jason Marley, writes up a safety tip notice for vehicles at Lynn Vatley mall. Marley is working under an ICBC youth program which educates drivers abcut auto theft and safety. ATTENTION! JEEP OWNERS gfe Compiete mechanical & electrical repairs 3 by factory trained technician IMPEX AUTO 4166A West t4th Street Tol: 985-6237 ie Q (af? Pemberton Ave., entrance at rear) : ONS TERE) Zar CE CO BE cece ? Ee EE ee Oe SE Se See) eee See ED Oe SS a