The RCMP are warning the public after an increase in thefts from motor vehicles was reported where garage door openers were taken and used to enter the homes of victims to steal their property.
Const. Trung Tran with the St. Albert RCMP is reminding the public to secure or remove their valuables from their vehicles, including garage door openers.
Tran said the RCMP combed through their data and saw that since the beginning of July they had 65 files reporting a break-and-enter and theft from motor vehicles, and 15 of those files mention a garage door opener being taken.
Tran said not all of the 15 garages were entered after the openers were stolen but it's important for residents to be aware of the issue so they can take precautionary measures.
“The opportunity is there; if you do leave your garage opener in your vehicle, it's not secure. There have been some residences that had their garage broken into,” Tran said.
Tran said there were no reports of interactions between the culprits and the residents at home. Tran added the RCMP have seen this type of criminal activity before, but he wanted to warn the public because of the volume of garage door opener thefts.
“For some people, maybe their garage is filled with other things that they can't park their vehicles and then I suggest taking the garage door opener and bringing it inside,” Tran said.
“I know it can be a hassle to be in and out but that's kind of a more secure way.”
Tran said residents should also lock up the door between their garage and their home to prevent thieves from entering even though they've gained access to the garage.
