When comparing January to September 2021 statistics and January to September 2022, Leduc RCMP state that there has been a 78 per cent increase in vehicle theft in the area.
RCMP note that the vehicles stolen most frequently are trucks which accounted for 62 per cent of vehicle thefts in 2022.
From January to September 2022, 27 per cent of people who reported their vehicle stolen had left their keys in the vehicle.
As cold weather approaches RCMP are reminding citizens not to leave their vehicles running or unattended for any period of time.
“If everyone can take steps to reduce the number of vehicle thefts by following some crime prevention strategies, motor vehicle thefts will be greatly reduced,” says Const. Cheri-Lee Smith.
In an effort to prevent more vehicle thefts RCMP are reminding the public of some vehicle safety tips:
• Park in a secure well-lit location;
• Never leave an idling vehicle unoccupied, even when it is locked;
• Use a remote starter and keep your vehicle locked;
• Use a steering wheel lock to deter thieves;
• Never leave children in an unattended running vehicle;
• Never leave spare keys or garage door openers in or around your vehicle;
• Always lock the door leading from the garage to your vehicle;
• If your keys are lost or stolen, change your locks immediately.