Alberta RCMP is urging residents to take extra precautions to avoid vehicle theft and theft from vehicles during the summer months when cases skyrocket.
“We are in August and for whatever reason, this is the busiest time for vehicle theft,” said Jennifer Kee, community engagement and outreach specialist with Alberta RCMP. “Everybody just has to be a little cognizant and get into a routine. Always make sure your vehicle is locked and do not leave anything inside your vehicle.”
According to Kee, August was the month with the highest reported number of vehicle thefts and thefts from vehicles in Alberta in 2019.
More than 1,000 vehicle thefts and 1,300 thefts from vehicles were reported in August of last year, Kee said. Twenty-six per cent of stolen vehicles had the keys in them and eight per cent were left running.
July and October 2019 also saw high numbers of vehicle-related crimes last year, according to an RCMP press release. During August, July and October, there were more than 12,200 reported thefts from a motor vehicle in Alberta. Additionally, close to 10,000 vehicles were reported stolen. Trucks were the most commonly stolen vehicles.
"We are all human, and that’s the thing,” Kee said. “We are just trying to reach out to the public to help us, and ensure your vehicle is always locked, no keys or valuables are left inside.”
According to Kee, items left in vehicles are easy targets for potential thieves. Backpacks, gym bags and electronics should never be left in vehicles, she said, as offenders typically see bags as “big targets” because they hold unknown contents.
Kee said leaving garage door openers in vehicles is another cause for concern. If a thief were to break into a vehicle, they not only have access to registration and insurance information, but they now have someone’s home address.
“Not only do they have your address, they have means of getting into your garage, stealing stuff out of your garage or getting into your residence,” Kee said.
Kee noted that, while the RCMP hasn’t narrowed down the exact reason why summer seems to see increased vehicle theft numbers, it may be due to better accessibility caused by nicer weather and many people heading to secondary properties like cabins or cottages.
“We always have to remember that criminals in the neighbourhood typically scope neighbourhoods first,” Kee said. “One of the reasons vehicles may be getting stolen is because they are aware that you are not home.”
Kee said if a vehicle is stolen, it should be reported to police in a timely manner.
“If you see something suspicious, report it to your local police service,” she said. “If you see a crime in progress, call 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com.”
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
