Manitoba Progressive Conservatives say rising fears about crime could help them score a byelection upset in an NDP stronghold.

The opposition Tories announced Tuesday that Brian Biebrich, a 51-year-old car sales manager and party insider, will carry the Conservative banner in the March 2 byelection in the suburban constituency of Concordia in northeast Winnipeg.

Biebrich told reporters his main campaign promise is to crack down on what he called a growing crime problem.

"I used to coach soccer and …in those days, this was a much safer area to live in," Biebrich said. "Now I talk to people, and often they are afraid to walk out of their doors at night.

"Repeat offenders are continually let back out on the streets to rampage our neighbourhoods."

Biebrich pointed to a violent home invasion on Sunday that put a 48-year-old resident in hospital.

Concordia has been represented by the NDP since Biebrich was a child. Former premier Gary Doer held the seat for 23 years until he stepped down last year to become Canada's ambassador to the United States. Other New Democrats held the seat before Doer.

Vote a test for Selinger

NDP candidate Matt Wiebe, a former constituency assistant of Doer's, admits crime is an issue in the neighbourhood but said the government has made headway with initiatives such as the immobilizer program. The program requires owners of older vehicles popular with thieves to install anti-theft devices.

"We've tripled the funding that we have for police officers on the streets, and I think our strategy to deal with car theft is another example, with those crimes down by 70 per cent," said Wiebe, 30.

Biebrich a Conservative government would increase jail space and speed up court proceedings so that fewer criminals would be released on bail.

The outcome of the byelection won't have much impact on the government. With one seat empty, standings in the 57-seat legislature are NDP 35, Progressive Conservatives 19, and the Liberals two.

The byelection will be the first test for Premier Greg Selinger, who served as finance minister for a decade before Doer's resignation.

The Liberals have chosen social worker Judi Heppner as their candidate. Ellen Young, a student at the University of Manitoba, is running for the Green Party.