MDC BULLETIN
OCTOBER 25, 2006

Vandalism of MDC property launches RCMP investigation

Burnaby and Richmond RCMP detachments are investigating three separate incidents of vandalism against MDC property, including damage to MDC vehicles, tire slashing and crude graffiti making it clear the attacks were targetted: either a reaction to MDC investigations and disciplinary measures, an attempt to intimidate, or both. It is worth noting that MDC costs are ultimately borne by all dealers and salespeople through licence fees.

The first incident involved tire slashing in two separate locations during the summer. A similar event took place on private property earlier this month.

"If the perpetrators of these incidents believed they would discourage us from investigating industry problems and prosecuting offenders, they could not be more misled," said Ken Smith, the Registrar and President of the Council. "In fact, it aptly demonstrates that problems within this industry are not merely unacceptable practices concerning consumers, but that there is an element within it that is criminal, organized and dangerous. We are obviously making some unsavoury people very uncomfortable."

Within the Motor Dealer Council an Investigator with a former RCMP background, has been assigned to liaise with police in two RCMP jurisdictions, and to conduct his own parallel investigation. Among the suspects are several problem dealers who have been known to have uttered threats and others who have been disciplined recently.

Security measures for all MDC property and personnel is being professionally reviewed and upgraded.

You can help! If you know anything, report it

It is in the interest of everyone in the motor dealer industry to apprehend and discipline those who behave criminally. If you have any information at all as to the likely perpetrators of this vandalism, or of individuals who are behaving in a threatening way, please do one of three things:

• Contact MDC Investigation Line at 604-294 9889 Ext. 708 or e-mail to enquiry@mvsabc.com
• Contact the RCMP and quote the specific case file numbers.
  - Burnaby 06-28615
  - Richmond 06-20476 and 06-36310
• Contact Crimestoppers 1-800 222 8477

IF YOU WISH TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS, YOU SHOULD CALL CRIME STOPPERS.

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