With rise in auto theft in Manitoba, it was noticed that the province of Winnipeg is one of the major targets among thieves. Then came the Winnipeg Auto Theft Suppression Strategy program (WATSS) in 2008. The committee continued to monitor youth most likely to commit auto theft. In this survey, average of 141 youth was monitored. Out of 141 youth, 121 were classed as Level 4 repeat offenders. The committee contacted these Level 4 offenders up to 11 times per week, with the highest risk group averaging 14 contacts per week throughout the year.

It was noticed that after the Manitoba Public Insurance joined the WATTS program in 2005, the auto theft numbers started declining steadily and significantly. As In 2004, the average number of auto theft cases per month was 882. This number decreased to 372 in 2008 and continued to decrease in 2009. Records also show that in 2007, total 1079 auto thieves were arrested. And out of them, 354 were adults and 725 youth. But in 2008, this ratio decreased when total 789 auto thieves were arrested and out of them, 252 were adult and 537 were youth.

When Manitoba Public Insurance joined hands with Winnipeg Police Services and Justice to develop WATSS in 2005, it was assumed that the program would reduce claims costs. Over the last four years this objective has been more than met. And this is a good news for Winnipeggers.