RCMP hosts Auto Theft Prevention Information Session

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Sunny South News

By Heather Cameron
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On November 22, the RCMP Detachment in Coaldale, Alberta hosted an Auto Theft Prevention Information Session and steering wheel locking giveaway event at the Coaldale Sportsplex.

“The Coaldale detachment area has seen an increase in auto theft in the previous months and this event was held to provide information and resources about preventing auto crime to compliment ongoing enforcement efforts,” said Staff Sergeant Mike Numan, Detachment Commander of the Coaldale RCMP. “In Alberta Auto theft is one of the main drivers of crime. Most stolen vehicles are used to commit further crimes and thus increase the harm in communities. There are many ways to reduce and prevent thefts and the RCMP wanted to take this opportunity to discuss this.”

The event, Numan said, involved members of the Coaldale Detachment and the Alberta RCMP. Community Safety and Wellbeing Branch engaging with citizens of the Coaldale Detachment area discussing auto crime prevention and deterrent techniques, current auto theft trends, and providing teering wheel locking devices to citizens wishing to protect their vehicles from theft. 

“The community was very grateful for the attention shown to auto theft in the area, with dozens of thank-you’s and many people encouraging similar future event,” said Numan. “An estimated 200 individual public interactions were made.”

The event, Numan says, was organized by the CoaldaleRCMP. detachment and the Alberta RCMP Community Safety and Wellbeing branch. The town of Coaldale, Numan says, allowed the groups access to the arena and provided tables and chairs, but the groups never made it inside as the initial response was overwhelming and kept them busy outside. Numan says that the police are also grateful to the media outlets that spoke about the event and brought additional awareness to it.

“Over the past 5 years we have seen the rates of auto theft trend down, however in recent months we have seen indicators that demonstrate a potential uptick, so we are working hard to keep the downward trend,” said Numan. “Coaldale RCMP is continually evaluating crime trends and working to inform the community when appropriate, and has many partnerships that benefit the community as a whole.”

Numan says that one of the most important things people can do to prevent auto theft is to remove all keys from vehicles and lock the car doors. Numan says that it is believed that around 50 percent of vehicles are stolen with the keys in them, and often they are left unlocked and running.  A steering wheel locking device, Numan says, is one of the most effective deterrents to auto theft, but this is only true when it is utilized and not left in the backseat or trunk.

Auto theft deterrent and prevention is most effective when taken on from a personal level, Numan says, including using the following tips:

• Always make sure to lock your vehicle.

• Never leave keys or garage door openers in your vehicle.

• Utilize a Steering wheel locking device.

• Never leave important documents with personal identifying information in your vehicle.

• Ensure all valuables are removed or out of sight. This includes shopping bags, loose change, sunglasses, and any electronics.

• Do not leave your windows open when you leave your vehicle.

• If possible, store your vehicle in a locked garage when not in use.

• Park your vehicle in well lit areas and within sight. If you’re unable to park in a locked garage, keep outdoor lights on for added security.

• Aftermarket immobilizers

• Aftermarket GPS tracking devices. 

“We are all guilty of thinking, it won’t happen to me, or I can leave my car running just this once,” aid Numan. “However, auto theft can happen within seconds, and can happen anywhere at anytime. We might be in a hurry and not want to take the few extra seconds to put our steering wheel locking device on, however it always seems that is the time the thief comes around. Establishing good routines around securing our vehicles can alleviate the complacency.”