Abbotsford resident attempts to defraud ICBC — February 22

Provides false information about an injury claim

Sarbjit Singh Sidhu of Abbotsford was fined $3,500 for attempting to defraud ICBC. Sidhu appeared in Surrey Provincial Court on February 10, 2006 for sentencing after being charged and convicted under the Insurance (Motor Vehicle) Act for providing false information to ICBC.

"ICBC has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to fraud," said Mark Withenshaw, ICBC vice president of loss management. "We will not sit back and simply pass the cost of fraud onto our customers."

According to Sidhu's statement, on April 22, 2003 he was involved in an altercation in the Abbotsford area of Blueridge and Saturna. Punches were thrown, and allegedly Sidhu was struck by his assailant's vehicle. Sidhu suffered a broken ankle as a result of the attack and filed an injury claim with ICBC.

ICBC investigated the claim and witness testimony revealed Sidhu had fractured his ankle as a result of a fall after being struck by a punch. ICBC denied his claim and is seeking to recover all costs associated with the claim.

"Fraud is not a victimless crime," said Withenshaw. "The cost is paid by honest customers in the form of higher premiums." It is estimated that fraud costs each of ICBC's 2.8 million policy holders in the range of $100 to $150 per year.

Anyone with information on a suspicious, exaggerated or fraudulent claim is encouraged to phone the ICBC Tips Line at 604-661-6844.

For more information contact:
Doug Henderson
604-982-1332

Surrey resident attempts to defraud ICBC — February 22

Providing false information about a theft claim proves costly

Jasbir Singh Bains of Surrey was fined $4,000 for attempting to defraud ICBC. Bains appeared in Surrey Provincial Court on January 23, 2006 and was charged and convicted under the Insurance (Motor Vehicle) Act for providing false information to ICBC.

"ICBC has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to fraud," said Mark Withenshaw, ICBC vice president of loss management. "We will not sit back and simply pass the cost of fraud onto our customers."

Bains reported his 1991 Acura NSX stolen from the Langley 7-Eleven parking lot, the evening of February 19, 2004. According to Bains' statement, he left his vehicle running while he entered the store and upon exiting the store, the vehicle was gone. Bains filed a theft claim with ICBC.

Langley RCMP recovered Bains' vehicle in Murrayville, the same day it was reported stolen. The attending officer advised ICBC that neighbours reported seeing the vehicle parked in the area hours prior to the alleged visit to 7-Eleven. ICBC denied Bains' claim.

"February is auto crime awareness month. ICBC not only pursues individuals who steal cars, but also those who lie about or exaggerate their theft claims," said Withenshaw.

Anyone with information on a suspicious, exaggerated or fraudulent claim is encouraged to phone the ICBC Tips Line at 604-661-6844. Information is confidential and callers can remain anonymous.

For more information contact:
Doug Henderson
604-982-1332

ICBC has zero tolerance for fraud — February 22

False claim proves costly for Vancouver resident

Mainka Kaur Sandhu of Vancouver has been charged and convicted under the Criminal Code of Canada for making a fraudulent claim in regards to the alleged theft of her vehicle.

Sandhu appeared in Vancouver Provincial Court on January 19, 2006 and pleaded guilty. She was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service and pay a victim surcharge fee of $100. She will have a criminal record and must report to a probation officer until the community service is completed.

In addition, Sandhu signed a settlement agreement with ICBC amounting to $45,000. The settlement repays all costs associated with the payment of Sandhu's claim, related investigation and punitive damages.

"ICBC has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to fraud," said Mark Withenshaw, ICBC vice president of loss management. "We will not sit back and simply pass the cost of fraud onto our customers."

In January 2004, Sandhu reported her 2002 Volkswagen Jetta stolen from her residence and filed a claim with ICBC. According to her statement, prior to its theft the vehicle was in good condition and equipped with an immobilizer. ICBC considered Sandhu's claim legitimate and paid her $34,000 - the cash value of the stolen vehicle.

Sandhu's vehicle was later recovered and an investigation revealed six months prior to the theft claim, the vehicle's motor had seized due to poor maintenance - rendering the vehicle inoperable. Sandhu's warranty did not cover the engine failure.

"February is auto crime awareness month. ICBC not only pursues individuals who steal cars, but also those who lie about or exaggerate their theft claims," said Withenshaw.

Anyone with information on a suspicious, exaggerated or fraudulent claim is encouraged to phone the ICBC Tips Line at 604-661-6844. Information is confidential and callers can remain anonymous.

For more information contact:
Doug Henderson
604-982-1332

ICBC urges Prince Rupert to take a walk/drive on the safe side — February 15

PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. - The number one safety concern in Prince Rupert is pedestrian safety, and ICBC is alerting the community with a diverse public service campaign.

The campaign kicked off February 1^st, 2006 with dramatic radio ads on local and First Nations stations. Accompanying the ads are posters detailing a fictional obituary of a pedestrian hit. The key message is that once you lose a life-- whether it's your own or another's-- it cannot be given back.

One of the most hazardous areas for pedestrian hits is downtown by the movie theatre. Pedestrians frequently cross without notice and dark conditions make for extreme safety concerns.

"Dark and wet weather conditions in Prince Rupert create a dangerous environment for both walking and driving," said Cst. Alain Beaulieu, RCMP.

"In cases of pedestrian hits in Prince Rupert, both pedestrians and drivers have been at fault, ranging in age from child to senior. We're suggesting ways in which all citizens and visitors can ensure their safety on our streets."

At the community level, ICBC has organized a colouring contest with local elementary schools, which encourages pedestrian safety in school zones. Teachers received an informational package with lesson plans and teacher aids to help promote the issue.

The contest ends on February 20th with students from kindergarten to grade four divided into categories based on their age/grade, and judged by a panel of community volunteers. Winners will receive reflective backpacks from Mountain Equipment Co-op, and the overall winner will receive a reflective jacket.

"There is an important reason why we wanted students to participate", said David Dickson, ICBC Loss Prevention Manager for the North Central Region. "They are the future of our communities, and if we can encourage them to practice safe pedestrian behaviour today, they will model it for upcoming generations."

ICBC's North Central Loss Prevention Team has received extensive support for the project from local community stakeholders: the RCMP, school administration and teachers, and ICBC claim centre staff.

Pedestrians - take a walk on the SAFE side:

• wear bright or reflective clothing when walking in wet and/or dark weather conditions
• always use the sidewalk, unless there isn't one. In that case, face traffic so you can see if a car is out of control
• cross the street at corners, marked cross walks, or lights
• make eye contact with drivers before you cross to ensure that they see you

Drivers - take a drive on the SAFE side:

• Always yield to pedestrians
• Beware of pedestrians who appear indecisive or inattentive
• Watch for pedestrians when backing up
• Be alert to drivers who stop in the lane next to you - they might be stopping for a crossing pedestrian

For more information on pedestrian safety, visit www.icbc.com.

For more information contact:
Ryan Detwiller
ICBC
(250) 979-4612

Volunteers Find Six Stolen Vehicles — February 14

Stolen Auto Recovery Program a success thanks to volunteers

Getting away with vehicle theft in Kelowna became much more difficult in the last quarter of 2005.

Dozens of volunteers with the Stolen Auto Recovery Program checked more than 8,300 vehicles in the three-month period between October and December. Their efforts uncovered six stolen vehicles.

Stolen Auto Recovery Program volunteers cruise the streets in vehicles equipped with police radios and Palm Pilots comparing license plates of vehicles in parking lots, on the street, or on the move to a database of stolen vehicles from across Canada that is updated daily. When a suspected stolen vehicle is spotted, they radio police who then take appropriate action.

"Thieves should be aware that anywhere they go, there's a good chance a volunteer will also be there looking for stolen vehicles," said Steve Foster of Kelowna Community Policing. "You never know who is watching."

The program became more effective during the last part of 2005 thanks to new software from the BC Crime Prevention Association. Checking and identifying stolen vehicles is now faster and easier.

The Palm Pilots were donated last year by Whillis Harding Insurance Agencies through their involvement with the Autoplan Broker Road Safety Program.

"Auto crime is a major problem that costs all of us money, so last year we decided to do something about it," said Autoplan broker Greg McGill of Whillis Harding Agencies. "Our local Citizens on Patrol volunteers give so much of their time and energy to help fight auto crime that we figured providing them with the latest tools was the least we could do to make their job easier, and show our appreciation for what they're doing to protect the community for all of us."

Drivers are encouraged to take steps to prevent their vehicle from being stolen in the first place. The best protection is installing an electronic passive immobilizer. The device makes the vehicle impossible to start unless the correct key or electronic device is present. A system can be installed for a couple hundred dollars and will make drivers eligible for a discount on their Autoplan insurance.

Other important anti-theft measures include locking doors and closing windows, taking anything of value out of the vehicle, and parking in well-lit areas with plenty of pedestrian traffic.

On an average day in BC, 64 vehicles are stolen, 112 vehicles are broken into and 74 vehicles are vandalized. An average stolen vehicle claim in the Southern Interior costs approximately $5,000. Auto crime costs ICBC policy holders approximately $140 million a year.

If you would like to volunteer with a Citizens on Patrol group or the Stolen Auto Recovery Program, contact your local Community Policing office.

The Stolen Auto Recovery Program is a joint effort between ICBC, the BC Crime Prevention Association, the RCMP, the Canadian Police Information Centre and local Citizens on Patrol groups.

Stolen Auto Recovery Program - Backgrounder

What is it?

The Stolen Auto Recovery (SAR) Program helps police track down stolen vehicles and apprehend car thieves with the help of Citizens on Patrol volunteers.  It is a partnership involving ICBC, the BC Crime Prevention Association, the RCMP, the Canadian Police Information Centre and local Citizens on Patrol groups. 

How does it work?

Volunteers work in teams of two, patrolling the streets and entering the license plate numbers of parked and moving vehicles into computers that contain the latest information on stolen automobiles.  If a plate matches one that’s listed as stolen, volunteers keep an eye on the suspect vehicle and alert the police, who take the appropriate action.

What’s a typical patrol like?

Volunteers go out on a six-hour street patrol about once a month.  They usually begin by conducting a test of their police-band radios and ensuring the latest data on stolen vehicles and plate numbers is downloaded into their computers.  After a briefing with a community policing liaison officer, the two-member teams hit the street.  One volunteer drives and the other keys license plate numbers into the computer.  All teams work in the same area and remain in radio contact with the supervising police officer who can join up with them on short notice.  When the computer generates a license plate match, the volunteers notify police and keep an eye on the suspect vehicle from a safe distance until officers arrive.

How successful is the program?

In 2003, Stolen Auto Recovery Program groups in BC recovered 1,451 stolen vehicles and 225 stolen license plates.

How can I get involved?

To volunteer, you must be 19 or older, have no criminal record and speak English well.  For more information, contact your local RCMP detachment or community policing office.

For more information contact:
David Dickson
Regional Manager, Loss Prevention
North Central Region
250.305.6667 OR 250.392.0022
Alyson Gourley-Cramer
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
North Central Region
250.561.5006 OR 250.961.9299

New Westminster resident fined and ordered to repay ICBC — February 14

Providing false information about a vehicle theft proves costly

Boris Vucen of New Westminster was fined $5,000 and ordered to pay restitution to ICBC in the amount of $14,577 for falsely declaring the theft of a vehicle.

Vucen appeared in court January 25, 2006, entered a guilty plea and was convicted under the Insurance (Motor Vehicle) Act for providing false information to ICBC. Costs recovered from Vucen include all monies paid out for his claim, the investigation process, as well as the cost of having the vehicle returned from Germany.

"ICBC has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to fraud," said Mark Withenshaw, ICBC vice president of loss management. "We will not sit back and simply pass the cost of fraud onto our customers."

Vucen allegedly reported his 1997 Mustang stolen from his residence in New Westminster. Shortly thereafter, ICBC investigators were contacted by Customs Canada, the vehicle had been located on a container ship traveling to Hamburg, Germany. Vucen had arranged to have the vehicle shipped overseas. Criminal fraud charges were laid against Vucen and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Vucen was arrested by RCMP in Strathcona, Alberta, after visiting a police detachment to have a criminal record check done for employment purposes. He was held in custody and returned to New Westminster.

"February is auto crime awareness month. ICBC not only pursues individuals who steal cars, but also those who lie about or exaggerate their theft claims," said Withenshaw.

Anyone with information on a suspicious, exaggerated or fraudulent claim is encouraged to phone the ICBC Tips Line at 604-661-6844. Information is confidential and callers can remain anonymous.

For more information contact:
Doug Henderson
604-982-1332

Abbotsford brothers plead guilty — February 14

Brothers fined and ordered to pay restitution to ICBC

Grzegorz and Piotr Skrzyniarz of Abbotsford are facing the consequences of providing false information regarding the alleged theft of a vehicle.

The Skrzyniarz brothers appeared in court January 30, 2006, and were convicted under the Insurance (Motor Vehicle) Act. P. Skrzyniarz was fined $2000; G. Skryzniarz was fined $1000 and ordered to pay ICBC $1059 in restitution.

"ICBC has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to fraud," said Mark Withenshaw, ICBC vice president of loss management. "We will not sit back and simply pass the cost of fraud onto our customers."

It is alleged that, P. Skrzyniarz was traveling to HiHume Lake near Kamloops, B.C., when the 1996 Volkswagen Golf he was driving broke down. The vehicle, belonging to his brother, was towed to a remote lookout area and pushed off a cliff. The Skrzyniarz brothers reported the vehicle stolen two days later and filed a claim with ICBC. Both brothers provided false statements to ICBC, their claim was denied based on inconsistencies in their statements.

"February is auto crime awareness month. ICBC not only pursues individuals who steal cars, but also those who lie about or exaggerate their theft claims," said Withenshaw.

ICBC's Tip Line is a tool that helps combat fraud and vehicle-related crimes. It averages more than 1,000 calls every month from people reporting suspicious claims and other instances of potential fraud. Information is confidential and callers can remain anonymous. The Tip Line number is 604-661-6844.

For more information contact:
Doug Henderson
604-982-1332

ICBC recovers policyholders' money — February 1

False information from PoCo resident proves costly

A Port Coquitlam resident has pleaded guilty to charges of providing false information to ICBC regarding a vehicle theft.

Ramaneet Kaur Gill of Port Coquitlam appeared in court on January 10, 2006 and pleaded guilty to charges under the Insurance (Motor Vehicle) Act. She was fined $2,500 and ordered to pay $241 in restitution. Gill will also be out the value of her vehicle, estimated at over $26,000.

"ICBC has a zero tolerance policy for claims based on fraud," said Mark Withenshaw, ICBC vice president of loss management. "It is not acceptable to ICBC to sit back and simply pass the cost of fraud onto our customers."

Gill reported that her 2003 Toyota Camry Solara was stolen from Silver City Guildford theatre parking lot on November 2, 2004. According to her statement, the vehicle was left in the parking lot that morning and was gone when she returned that evening.

Police and an ICBC adjuster working on the case discovered that the vehicle was found on a logging road in Nanaimo that same morning. The vehicle had been torched and was found by a husband and wife out for a drive. The discrepancy in time led to further investigation and a denial of the claim.

"Fraud is not a victimless crime," said Withenshaw. "The cost is paid by honest customers in the form of higher premiums." It is estimated that fraud costs each of ICBC's 2.8 million policy holders in the range of $100 to $150 per year.

Anyone with information on a suspicious, exaggerated or fraudulent claim is encouraged to phone the ICBC Tips Line at 604-661-6844.

For more information contact:
Doug Henderson
604-982-1332

Copyright © 2008 ICBC - Insurance Corporation of British Columbia