Lethbridge police remind drivers to lock vehicles after car prowling spike

Lethbridge police are reminding residents to lock their vehicles after recovering two stolen cars this week that had been left with keys inside.

“We’ve noticed a slight spike in the last couple of weeks just in terms of car prowling in the city,” said Sgt. Liam Breedon, with the local force’s property crimes unit.

Police warn that crimes of opportunity, such as thefts from vehicles, can happen in a matter of seconds.

Breedon says most happen at night, as the sun is beginning to set earlier.

“Often times, our summer months—June right into October—are kind of the higher times for these car prowlers. Nice weather, people out on foot and things of that nature,” he said.

“They will enter these vehicles in hopes of just getting loose change, maybe some devices like laptops and backpacks.”

Aaron Sutherland, vice-president of Western and Pacific with the Insurance Bureau of Canada, says if your car is stolen, it doesn’t count as an at-fault claim.

“So you’re not going to see your premiums spike as a result of that,” he said.

“Good news for those drivers that are being impacted here. The cost, of course, is covered. The car will be replaced if not found or repaired when it is and it doesn’t go against their driving record.”

Sutherland says the average driver in Alberta pays about $50 annually on their insurance premium to cover vehicle thefts.

Overall vehicle thefts down

Despite a recent slight increase, overall car prowling and thefts from vehicles are down in Lethbridge and across the province compared to years past.

“In Alberta, it’s down about 10 per cent over the past five years,” said Sutherland.

“The same trend holds here in Lethbridge.”

To prevent these crimes, Breedon is asking residents to establish a 9 p.m. checklist to help secure their property:

• Lock vehicle doors and close windows, even when parked at home;
• Take keys with you and remove spare keys from vehicles;
• Never leave vehicles running and unattended;
• Remove or hide valuables, including wallets, purses, electronics, packages and loose change;
• Park in a garage whenever possible or choose well-lit, high-traffic areas;
• Do not leave garage door openers inside vehicles; and
• Consider using anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks or vehicle immobilizers.

Breedon says staying vigilant can help reduce the thefts from vehicles.

“If you see something suspicious, please report it, please call in, please use our different resources to report those crimes so that we can push out our officers in the right areas to help deal with it,” said Breedon.