The St. Albert RCMP is investigating two vehicle thefts that occurred the night of Sept. 19.
In a media release Wednesday, RCMP described two separate incidents where vehicles were stolen overnight. Both vehicles were parked on the owner’s driveway and it is unknown how the offenders gained access.The first theft happened on St. Vital Ave., where a black 2010 Ford F150 truck was stolen. The second robbery was at Pembroke Cr. where a grey 2009 Toyota Sienna minivan was taken.
A quick glance at the online St. Albert RCMP Crime Map for the past 14 days shows in that period there were five motor vehicle thefts and an additional 26 thefts from vehicles listed. Property crimes such as theft of vehicles, theft from vehicles and residential break and enters are still some of the most common crimes in St. Albert.
“The most common things stolen out of vehicles are wallets/purses, cash/change, electronics (cell phones, laptops, electrical cords), sunglasses, garage door openers, and house keys/car keys,” media relations officer Const. M-J Burroughs told the Gazette in an email.
The RCMP reminds residents to follow preventative safety measures. They include removing valuables from vehicles as well as ensuring doors are locked and windows closed. Spare keys should never be kept inside vehicles.
Extra measures include parking in a garage if possible, locking all doors to the garage as well as those leading into the house. Make sure all house doors are locked and turn on an exterior light.
"Developing a routine of locking up makes crime prevention easy," said St. Albert RCMP Insp. Pam Robinson in a media statement. “Most thefts are crimes of opportunity which means that the criminal is looking for unlocked vehicles or houses where they can easily steal property. By removing valuables from vehicles and by locking cars & homes, we remove the easy opportunity for criminals.
Anyone with information on these crimes is asked to contact the detachment at 780-458-7700. Individuals who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play.
City RCMP is also in the process of setting up a voluntary surveillance camera registry program to assist in deterring crime. For more information, email [email protected] and an officer will contact you.
