An influx of thefts from vehicles and break-ins at several local businesses has prompted RCMP to remind residents that it is everyone's duty to help prevent crime.
An influx of thefts from vehicles and break-ins at several local businesses has prompted RCMP to remind residents that it is everyone's duty to help prevent crime.
During the four-week time span between June 27 and July 24 this year, there were 74 reports of mischief, 19 reports of break and enter, 63 reports of theft, 71 reports of theft from vehicle and 12 reports of theft of vehicle.
Some stats are up slightly, says Cpl. Laurel Kading with St. Albert RCMP. Reports of theft have increased by 10 (16 per cent) and there have been three more reports of thefts from vehicles (up 25 per cent), this year compared to last year.
“Theft from motor vehicles continues to be a problem and we hear from criminals that it is an easy crime as most people don't lock their vehicles and leave some change or other valuables in it,” says Kading.
According to information provided by RCMP, a professional can steal your vehicle, including the contents in it, in just 30 seconds. A row of unlocked vehicles on a street can be very lucrative for a thief.
The monetary value of items left in vehicles is not the only thing of interest to criminals. A corresponding crime is identity theft, notes Kading.
At the end of July, an ongoing investigation by St. Albert RCMP resulted in five people being arrested on charges related to identity theft.
“The identities that were being used resulted from driver's licenses, registration and insurance documents that were stolen out of parked vehicles,” says Kading.
“Between these thefts and the theft of garage door openers from unlocked vehicles, the RCMP are concerned that further crimes are going to be happening to people including identity theft and break and enters into homes,” she warns.
RCMP are advising residents to change the pass codes on their garage door openers, talk to your neighbours and encourage them to report to police if they see any suspicious activity around homes in the area.
Businesses need to be on the lookout as well, considering recent break and enters and attempted ATM thefts.
“I am hearing that the businesses in the Riel Industrial Park and in the downtown area are concerned over the mischiefs and break and enters that have been occurring there,” says Kading.
Despite RCMP officers patrolling these areas, in addition to rounds by St. Albert Citizens Patrol, there are additional safeguards to protect properties, adds Kading. Business owners can contact St. Albert RCMP for more information on the Crime Prevention through Environmental Design program, which provides strategies to make their businesses less attractive to criminals.
