Alberta RCMP reports a small bright side to this pandemic: a decrease in motor vehicle thefts.
Comparing Alberta stats from last March to December to the same period in 2019, the RCMP’s urban detachment areas saw a 27 per cent decrease in thefts from motor vehicles, and a 26 per cent decrease in vehicle thefts.
Rural detachment areas saw a 29 per cent decrease in thefts from motor vehicles, and a 21 per cent decrease in vehicle thefts.
Despite these positive numbers, there were still over 7,800 thefts from motor vehicles and over 7,100 vehicle thefts in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions from last March to December.
Some tips for keeping vehicles safe include: locking the doors, removing valuables, using a steering wheel lock, locking your garage, removing garage door openers from vehicle, using a vehicle tracking system, and parking in a well-lit area.
Police stress: Never leave vehicles running with the keys inside.
RCMP encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to police.
“Reports tell us where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future.”
If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at www.P3Tips.com.