Vehicle thefts on the rise in St. Albert, RCMP says

A rash of vehicle thefts in St. Albert has Mounties issuing an alert.

At least eight vehicles have been stolen in the community since July 28, said RCMP in a release last week.

Between July 27 and 28, a 2012 grey BMW X3 was stolen from St. Vital Avenue. On July 28, between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., a white and black Ford F-350 pickup was stolen from the Landmark Theatre parking lot.

Then, overnight between July 28 and 29, a 2010 black Ford Fusion was stolen from a driveway on Lambert Crescent.

Overnight between July 28 and 29, a 1996 a four-door silver and gold Honda Accord was stolen from in front of a mechanical shop on Renault Crescent.

Then, between 8a.m. and 3:30p.m. on July 29, a black 2003 Ford F-350 truck was stolen from Grandora Crescent.

Overnight between July 29 and July 30, a white 2018 Ford F-150 truck with green and black writing Earth & Energy on the doors was stolen from Seymore Crescent.

And overnight between July 30 and July 31, two vehicles were stolen from a residence on Louisbourg Place.

It is believed that the suspects stole a garage door opener from one parked vehicle and used it to enter the house where they stole items and the keys to the two cars that were taken.

A blue 2005 Mazda 3 hatchback and a silver 2007 Nissan Sentra were stolen.

“St. Albert RCMP needs the help of everyone to stop vehicle thefts.” says St. Albert RCMP spokeswoman Cpl. Laurel Kading.

“The greatest tool in the fight against crime is the community and the police working together.”

Tips that will help stop the vehicle thefts include:

Never leave your car running ■

unattended, even if it’s really hot or really cold out;

Don’t leave valuables in your

■

vehicle;

Park your vehicle inside your

■

garage;

Never leave your keys or your

■

garage opener in the vehicle;

Lock your car and roll up the windows

■ whenever it’s unattended;

Park in well lit areas;

■

Use your emergency brake when

■

parked.