Stony Plain/Spruce Grove/Enoch RCMP thank all the citizens who locked their cars this week. In coordination with Peace Officers from Stony Plain, Spruce Grove and Parkland County, the RCMP conducted a "Lock it or Lose it" event last Thursday in a busy parking lot near the Acheson Industrial area. Peace Officers and RCMP members distributed crime prevention tips and scanned the lot to identify cars that were unlocked, left running unattended or contained valuables within view.
The results were encouraging but the RCMP believes there is still room for improvement.
- Out of 153 cars checked
- 13 were left unlocked
- 44 were observed with valuables inside.
"We would like to remind everyone to lock their cars and keep valuables away from view. Stolen vehicles are often used to commit other types of crime. These simple steps not only protect your vehicles from theft and vandalism, it also helps to keep your community and surrounding areas safe from other types of crime."
Insp. Mike Lokken, Detachment Commander Stony Plain/Spruce Grove/Enoch RCMP
"Almost half of all stolen vehicles contained the keys inside. Through these events, we hope to raise awareness among Parkland County citizens that auto theft is still an issue. A simple checklist to remove identification documents and vehicle registration, hide shopping bags, and to park in well-lit areas will go a long way in telling potential thieves to keep walking."
Peace Officer Matthew Nickless, Parkland County
Quick Facts
- In 2017, 413 vehicles were reported stolen in the Stony Plain/Spruce Grove/Enoch Detachment area.
- In 2017, an average of 34 vehicles per day – a total 12,362 vehicles – were reported stolen in Alberta RCMP detachments.
- From January to August of 2018, 6,667 cars were reported stolen in Alberta RCMP detachments.
- During the same period, Alberta RCMP received over 7,000 reports of theft from a vehicle.
Safety Checklist
- Keep your vehicle locked at all times.
- Never leave your vehicle running while unattended.
- Don't keep your garage door opener in your car. This could give thieves easy access to your house and valuables.
- Don't keep vehicle registrations and other identification documents in the vehicle. They are used to steal your identity.
For more information on how to help prevent auto theft, visit facebook.com/RCMPinAlberta or twitter.com/RCMPAlberta.
Related links: Week 42 The Most Active Week for Auto Theft in Alberta