Alberta RCMP start new initiative to combat car theft

Summer in Alberta is a popular time for vacations, but is also when the highest number of vehicle property crimes occur.

Last year, from June 1 to August 30, there were more than 3,200 vehicle thefts and over 3,600 reports of thefts from vehicles in Alberta.

August was also the busiest month for all Criminal Code-related offenses.

Fraser Logan with the Alberta RCMP, says hot weather is a contributing factor to the amount of thefts.

“People do tend to leave their windows rolled down, even a little bit, just to kind of keep the airflow moving in their vehicles so they’re not that hot when they get back, but that means their vehicle is also unsecured, and if there is a relatively knowledgable thief, he will be able to get into your vehicle and steal the vehicle or steal from the vehicle.”

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Logan also says the lack of attention paid to securing a vehicle is one of the top causes of car theft.

“Close to 50 per cent of all reported thefts of and thefts from a vehicle unfortunately was because that vehicle was not secured.”

The RCMP have launched a new initiative called #AutoRoutine to provide tips and information on how to keep vehicles safe from theft this summer.

They are also urging people to report all thefts, no matter the severity.

They will be posting tips and more on their Facebook and Twitter feeds using the hashtag #AutoRoutine.