Poorly planned and implemented crime prevention programs are typically fragmented and ineffective programs offered through one agency in isolation from other community-based and governmental organizations. In order for crime prevention programs to have a positive impact upon the community they serve, it is vitally important that the programs are linked to broader community-wide crime prevention strategies and that they involve the coordinated effort of a broad range of community and governmental partners. Moreover, crime prevention programs must take into account the crime problems of particular communities and must consider a diverse range of prevention strategies. The current article demonstrates how the process of planning and implementing a comprehensive and effective crime prevention program can be applied to the problem of motor vehicle theft in Canada. In particular, the authors analyze vehicle theft authorities in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States, which have met with success in coordinating effective responses to vehicle theft. In Canada, the authors argue that the most appropriate focus for crime prevention programming is at the provincial level since vehicle theft rates and patterns differ dramatically among the provinces. The authors recommend the creation of provincial auto theft authorities to enhance interprovincial links among police, governments, and the insurance industry. Notes, references